[0001] The present invention relates generally to lighting systems, and relates particularly, though not exclusively, to methods and/or apparatus for controlling lighting devices that may be coupled to a networked lighting system.

[0002] It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention in relation to methods and/or apparatus for controlling LED (light emitting diode) pixel lighting devices, however, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to that use only. A skilled person will appreciate other forms of lighting devices, whether LED or otherwise, that may be controlled via a network in accordance with the methods and/or apparatus of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention as hereinafter described should not be construed as limited to any one or more of the specific examples provided herein, but instead should be construed broadly within the spirt and scope of the invention as defined in the description and claims that now follows.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention. It should not be taken as an admission that any of the material forms a part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia, or elsewhere, on or before the priority date of the disclosure herein.

[0004] Unless stated otherwise, throughout the ensuing description, the expressions "lighting device(s)", "lighting string(s)", "lighting fixture(s)", 'light(s)", "sting(s)", "fixture(s)", "light emitting diode(s)", "LED(s)", "LED device(s)", "LED light(s)", "LED pixel(s)", "LED sting(s)", "LED fixture(s)", and/or "pixel(s)" refer to any suitable lighting device(s), source(s) and/or fixture(s) which may emit light, on demand, in response to control signals conveyed via a communications network in accordance with the lighting control methods and/or apparatus of the present invention. For example, where LED lights are preferred, such LED lights may be RGB pixels which are digitally-controllable lights that can be set to any colour, or may be animated, as desired in response to control signals conveyed via a communications network. A skilled person will appreciate suitable lighting device(s), source(s), fixtures(s), etc., alternatives and/or variations, and hence the present invention should not be construed as limited to any one or more of the specific examples provided herein. It should also be understood that where the term "LED(s)" is used, same is intended to refer to any electroluminescent diode or other type of carrier injection/junction-based system that is capable of generating radiation in response to an electric signal. Thus, the term "LED(s)" includes, but is not limited to, various semiconductor-based structures that emit light in response to current, light emitting polymers, organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), electroluminescent strips, and the like. Similarly, where the term(s) "string(s)" or "fixture(s)" is/are used, it/they should be understood to refer to the implementation or arrangement of one or more lighting devices in a particular form factor, assembly, or package. For example, where the term "LED string(s)" is used, same is intended to refer to an elongated string of lights which includes a plurality of LED-based light devices/sources disposed at predetermined points along the length of the string. Finally, the definitions of the expressions hereinbefore described are only provided for assistance in understanding the nature of the invention, and more particularly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as hereinafter described. Such definitions, where provided, are merely examples of what the expressions refer to, and hence, are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

[0005] Strings or fixtures of LED lights are widely used to create eyecatching lighting effects. In low-end domestic applications, such as, for example, for Christmas tree lighting, LED strings or fixtures are often preprogramed or otherwise configured to blink or emit light in a predetermined manner. Whereas, for high-end commercial applications, such as, for example, for theme park lighting, a very large number of LED strings or fixtures are generally connected to and are controllable via a networked lighting system.

[0006] A typical networked lighting system may utilise a number of individually powered controllers for the distribution of power and control signals to a plurality of LED strings or fixtures connected thereto. Each controller being connected to a hub or switch so as to be able to receive control signals from one or more lighting control server(s).

[0007] There are a number of limitations associated with conventional network-based lighting systems. For example, it has been historically difficult to transmit the high speed serial data streams that are typically used for controlling LED stings or fixtures over long distances (i.e. distances > 6-8 metres) because those high speed serial data streams are single sided, and are subject to external interference and losses in cable. For this reason, designers of such lighting systems typically limit cable lengths to 6 to 8 metres so as to ensure reliable communications .

[0008] Many LED stings or fixtures used in networked lighting systems require a low-voltage Direct Current (DC) electricity supply. Low-voltage DC systems can be affected by voltage drops due to the resistance in feeder cables. For this reason, power feeder cables have often needed to be provisioned significantly larger than their current carrying capacity to reduce the loss to tolerable levels. Larger cables add to the cost of manufacture of lighting devices. Long runs at low-voltages have been impractical. High-voltage Alternating Current (AC) has been used for long cable runs. However, the use of a high- voltage AC electricity supply means that systems have to comply with a wide variety of electrical regulations, often meaning installation is restricted to appropriately qualified people. High-voltage AC systems also require a higher level of safety precautions to be taken. It is also often not practical to install AC powered controllers close to lighting sources for safety or other reasons. [0009] Individual LED strings or fixtures used in networked lighting systems are restricted to accepting one style of control protocol. That control protocol being determined by the specific controller to which the LED string or fixture is connected to. Hence, all LED strings or fixtures connected to a specific controller are restricted to accepting the same control protocol (that protocol being determined by the controller). Common controllers typically use one of the following control protocols: DMX-512; SPI TTL level Serial; DALI; or, an IP protocol. Being able to readily control individual LED strings or fixtures with another control protocol has therefore not been possible.

[0010] Controllers used in networked lighting systems have historically required two separate input cables, one for power and the other for receiving the control signals conveyed from the lighting control server(s). This requirement adds to the cost of manufacture and installation.

[0011] Other limitations associated with conventional network-based lighting systems include, but are not limited to: lighting control is one directional (i.e. is an open loop) - there is no provision of feedback from individual LED strings or fixtures; typical controllers having two-inputs and are not robust enough to be installed in all environmental conditions, especially where water is concerned; and/or, conventional LED strings or fixtures cannot be used independently as well as part of a large lighting system.

[0012] A need therefore exists for improved lighting control methods and/or apparatus, one(s) which overcomes or alleviates one or more of the aforesaid problems associated with known network lighting systems, or one(s) which at least provides a useful alternative. More particularly, a need exists for an improved lighting control method and/or apparatus which enables lighting devices to be controlled individually or as part of a large lighting system. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0013] According to one aspect, the present invention provides a lighting apparatus, including: an input for receiving combined lighting control signals and power from an external device connected to the lighting apparatus via one or more network connections; power conversion means for isolating the power received from the external device, and for converting the power to a predetermined voltage required to power controller means and one or more lighting devices; controller means for processing the control signals received from the external device, and for sending control commands in a predetermined protocol format to the one or more lighting devices; and, one or more lighting devices for emitting light in response to the control commands received from the controller means; wherein the controller means includes protocol conversion means for converting the control signals from a first protocol format into the predetermined protocol format if the first protocol format does not match the predetermined protocol format.

[0014] Preferably, the external device is a Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch and the one or more network connections is/are a data cable connected between the PoE switch and the input.

[0015] Preferably, the one or more lighting devices are LED devices, more particularly, LED pixels.

[0016] Preferably, the controller means includes an Ethernet PHY circuit, a microcontroller and an output buffer/driver circuit.

[0017] Preferably, the predetermined voltage is low voltage DC. It is also preferred that the power conversion means includes a bridge rectifier for converting unpolarised DC power isolated from the input into high voltage DC power, and a DC/DC converter circuit for converting the high voltage DC power into low voltage DC power. [0018] Preferably, the first protocol format may be selected from the group consisting of: Profinet, Art-net, Architecture for Control Networks (ACN), Ethercat, DALI, DMX-512, Midi, and/or, SMPTE. It is also preferred that the predetermined protocol format may be selected from the group consisting of: DMX-512, Asynchronous or Synchronous Serial, and/or, Variably Modulated DC.

[0019] Preferably, the controller means is configured to provide feedback to a lighting control server(s), via the one or more network connections and the external device, the feedback including a type and an operating state or status of the one or more lighting devices. It is also preferred that feedback is provided to the lighting control server(s) using a protocol selected from the group consisting of: E 1.33, MQTT, and/or, SNMP.

[0020] Preferably, the lighting apparatus may be used on its own, or may be used as part of a networked lighting system.

[0021] According to a further aspect, the present invention provides a controller for a lighting apparatus having one or more lighting devices for emitting light on command, the controller including: an input for receiving combined lighting control signals and power from an external device connected to the lighting apparatus via one or more network connections; power conversion means for isolating the power received from the external device, and for converting the power to a predetermined voltage required to power controller means and the one or more lighting devices of the lighting apparatus; and, controller means for processing the control signals received from the external device, and for sending control commands in a predetermined protocol format to the one or more lighting devices; wherein the controller means includes protocol conversion means for converting the control signals from a first protocol format into the predetermined protocol format if the first protocol format does not match the predetermined protocol format. [0022] According to yet a further aspect, the present invention provides a lighting system, including: one or more lighting control server; one or more PoE switches connected to the one or more control server(s) via one or more network connections; and, a plurality of lighting apparatus according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, connected to the one or more PoE switches via one or more network connections.

[0023] According to still yet a further aspect, the present invention provides a method for controlling a lighting apparatus having one or more lighting devices for emitting light on command, the method including the steps of: receiving at an input combined lighting control signals and power from an external device connected to the lighting apparatus via one or more network connections; isolating the power received from the external device, and converting the power to a predetermined voltage required to power controller means and the one or more lighting devices; and, processing the control signals received from the external device, and sending control commands in a predetermined protocol format to the one or more lighting devices; wherein the processing step includes determining whether the control signals are in a predetermined protocol format, and if they are not in the predetermined protocol format, converting the control signals into the predetermined protocol format.

[0024] These and other essential or preferred features of the present invention will be apparent from the description that now follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] In order that the invention may be more clearly understood and put into practical effect there shall now be described in detail preferred constructions of lighting control methods and/or apparatus in accordance with the invention. The ensuing description is given by way of non-limitative examples only and is with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0026] Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a lighting control apparatus made in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of how a plurality of the preferred lighting control apparatus of Fig. 1 may be utilised as part of a networked lighting system;

[0028] Figs. 3a & 3b are block diagrams each illustrating an example of how a plurality of lighting devices may be controlled via the preferred lighting control apparatus of Fig. 1; and,

[0029] Fig. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a lighting control method made in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the preferred lighting control method being suitable for use with the preferred lighting control apparatus of Figs. 1 to 3b.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0030] In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout, and which are intended to show by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilised and that procedural and/or structural changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0031] Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the following discussion, it is to be appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilising terms such as "processing", "encoding", "decoding", "acquiring", "transmitting", "receiving", and/or "controlling", or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system or microcontroller, or similar electronic device(s), that manipulates, conveys and/or transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's or microcontroller's registers, storage media or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the same or other computer system or microcontroller memories, registers or storage media.

[0032] The term "controller(s)" as used herein generally refers to various apparatus relating to the operation of one or more light devices/sources. A controller can be implemented in numerous ways (e.g. such as with dedicated hardware) to perform various functions discussed herein. A "processor" is one example of a controller which may employ one or more microcontrollers that may be programmed using software to perform various functions discussed herein. A controller may be implemented with or without employing a processor, and also may be implemented as a combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions and a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microcontrollers and associated circuitry) to perform other functions.

[0033] In various implementations, a processor or controller may be associated with one or more storage media (i.e. memory, e.g. volatile and nonvolatile memory such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, disks, optical disks, etc.). In some implementations, the storage media may be encoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or more processors and/or controllers, perform at least some of the functions discussed herein. Various storage media may be fixed within a processor or controller or may be transportable, such that the one or more programs stored thereon can be loaded into a processor or controller, as required, so as to implement various aspects of the present disclosure discussed herein. The term "program" is used herein in a generic sense to refer to any type of computer code (e.g. software or microcode) that can be employed to program one or more processors or controllers.

[0034] The term "network(s)" as used herein generally refers to any interconnection of two or more devices (including computers, hubs, switches, controllers and/or processors) that facilitates the transportation of power and/or information (e.g. for powering lighting device, sending control signals, etc.) between any two or more devices and/or among multiple devices coupled to the network. As should be readily appreciated, various implementations of networks suitable for interconnecting multiple devices may include any of a variety of network topologies and may employ any of a variety of communication protocols. Additionally, in various networks according to the present disclosure, any one connection between two devices may represent a dedicated connection between the two devices, or alternatively a non-dedicated connection. In addition to carrying information intended for the two devices, such a non- dedicated connection may carry information not necessarily intended for either of the two devices (e.g. an open network connection). Furthermore, it should be readily appreciated that various networks of devices as discussed herein may employ one or more wireless, wire/cable and/or fibre optic links to facilitate power and/or information transportation throughout the network.

[0035] In Fig. 1 there is shown a preferred lighting control apparatus 10

(hereinafter simply referred to as "control apparatus 10") for controlling one or more interconnected lighting devices 12 _n (see Figs. 2 to 3b), such as, for example, LED pixels 12 _n as hereinbefore described. Control apparatus 10 and its lighting devices 12 _n (which together form a lighting sting or fixture 14 - see, for example, Figs. 3a & 3b) may be controlled and used individually, as a standalone integrated lighting string or fixture 14, or may be controlled and used as part of a networked lighting system 16 (see, for example, Fig. 2). It should be understood however, that control apparatus 10 are not limited to the specific examples provided.

[0036] Control apparatus 10 is preferably configured to receive a single input cable 18 which conveys both power and control signals necessary to operate lighting devices 12 _n . It is preferred that input cable 18 is an Ethernet or data cable such as, for example, a category 5 (cat 5), or higher, twisted pair cable (connected to control apparatus 10 by, for example, a RJ45 socket, or the like - not shown) which is capable of carrying both power and control signals from a lighting control server (not shown), via a switch or hub 20 (see Fig. 2), to control apparatus 10. Both power and control signals may be conveyed by the same conductors within input cable 18, or each of power and control signals may be conveyed via dedicated conductors provided within input cable 18 (as shown in Fig. 1). It is preferred that switch 20 is a Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch which can pass both data (high frequency control signals) and electrical power along a data cable (input cable 18). By merging power (i.e. a DC power supply) and control signals within a single input cable 18 for supply to control apparatus 10, long cable lengths (i.e. up to 100 metres from PoE switch 20 to control apparatus 10) are possible without significant losses. This means that lighting strings or fixtures 14 can be installed at locations quite remote from (PoE) switch 20. Further, by using only a single input cable 18, and hence, no separate power supply, the cost of manufacture and/or installation of lighting strings or fixtures 14 can be significantly reduced, especially in large scale networked lighting systems (16).

[0037] By being configured to receive only a single input cable 18, conveying both power and control signals, control apparatus 10 does not require a separate power supply source. Accordingly, unlike typical controllers (not shown) which are each configured to control a plurality of lighting strings or fixtures, or the like, control apparatus 10 does not require a separate AC (or DC) power supply in order to operate lighting devices 12 _n . Hence, control apparatus 10 do not require specialist qualified persons for installation and/or maintenance. Further, by not requiring a separate power supply, control apparatus 10 can be enclosed within robust, preferably waterproof, enclosures (not shown). Accordingly, lighting strings or fixtures 14 (including their integrated control apparatus 10) made in accordance with the present invention can be readily deployed in indoor and outdoor environments, even in hostile locations.

[0038] Electricity supplied from a typical PoE switch 20 is generally at a voltage that is around five to ten times that of what is required to power lighting strings or fixtures 14. Although such a high voltage is not required to power lighting strings or fixtures 14, the higher voltage provided by PoE switch 20 enables sufficiently smaller data cables 18 (being more closely matched to the current carrying capacity) to be used to transmit both power and control signals to control apparatus 10, over quite long distances. Smaller cables 18 results in reduced costs, especially in large scale networked lighting systems (16). As a consequence, energy conversion (i.e. a reduction in voltage) must take place at or near control apparatus 10. The closer the conversion to control apparatus 10, the lower the losses. For this reason, and as can be seen in Fig. 1, control apparatus 10 preferably includes a bridge rectifier circuit 22 for converting the unpolarised DC input split from input cable 18, via conductors 24, into a polarised high voltage DC output, and a DC/DC converter module 26 (such as, for example, a buck converter) which enables the high voltage DC supply power provided by bridge rectifier circuit 22 to be converted to a lower predetermined DC voltage required to power both components (30, 32 & 34 - as discussed hereinafter) of control apparatus 10, and lighting devices 12 _n , via conductor(s) 28. Bridge rectifier circuit 22 may be of any suitable type, such as, for example, a diode bridge rectifier circuit as shown. A skilled person will appreciate many alternative arrangements of bridge rectifier circuits 22 suitable for use with control apparatus 10 of the present invention, such as, for example, an active bridge made from pairs of complementary Mosfets, etc., and as such, the present invention should not be construed as limited to the specific example provided. Instead, the present invention should be construed as including within its scope any form of bridge rectifier circuit 22 capable of rectifying an unpolarised DC input to determine and ensure correct polarisation of same.

[0039] In order to handle the physical layer of the internet protocol (IP) of the signal supplied by input cable 18, and to convert the signal into a serial interface, control apparatus 10 preferably includes an Ethernet PHY integrated circuit or module 30 (hereinafter simply referred to as "PHY circuit 30")· PHY circuit 30 may also contain an address (such as, for example, a media access control, or MAC, address) that can be used by networked lighting system 16 (see, for example, Fig. 2) to identify and locate control apparatus 10. By providing each control apparatus 10 with its own unique address or serial number, a lighting control server(s) (not shown) can readily recognise and distinguish between control apparatus 10. Hence, when a number of control apparatus 10 are connected to a PoE switch 20 as part of a networked lighting system 16 (see Fig. 2), the lighting control server(s) sees each control apparatus 10, meaning a user(s) (not shown) then simply needs to tell the server(s) where each lighting string or fixture 14 is located (e.g. where it is in the grid, etc.), so that the specific location of each pixel (lighting device 12 _n ) is known. A skilled person will appreciate the operation and use of such a PHY circuit 30, and as such, a detailed discussion of same will not be provided herein.

[0040] Referring again to Fig. 1, it can be seen that the serial output of

PHY circuit 30, of control apparatus 10, is preferably supplied (via data bus 31) to a microcontroller 32 (of any suitable type, such as, for example, part number PIC32MX675F256H available from Microchip Technology Inc., of Arizona, United States of America) which processes the data received into lighting control outputs 33, which are then conveyed to lighting devices 12 _n (for control thereof) via an output buffer/driver circuit or module 34 (via conductors 35).

[0041] In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, microcontroller 32, of control apparatus 10, may be configured to decode a variety of predetermined input control signal protocols (received via input cable 18) and to convert those input protocols into one or more predetermined output control protocols for the control of lighting devices 12 _n . In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined input control protocols may include, but are not limited to: Profinet, Art-net, Architecture for Control Networks (ACN), Ethercat, DALI, DMX-512, Midi, and/or SMPTE. Likewise, the predetermined output control protocols may include, but are not limited to: DMX-512, Asynchronous or Synchronous Serial, and/or, Variably Modulated DC. Although examples of input and output control protocols are provided, it will be appreciated that control apparatus 10 of the present invention could be readily configured to work with any suitable control protocols. A skilled person will appreciate these and other input/output control protocols, and as such, the present invention should not be construed as limited to the specific examples provided. If required or desired, microcontroller 32, of control apparatus 10, may also be configured to be reprogrammed (such as, for example, in the field) as new input/output control protocols become available or are needed. By configuring microcontroller 32 to decode and convert various input control protocols into various output control protocols, control apparatus 10 (and hence, lighting fixture 14) is not restricted to accepting a single input control protocol, but instead becomes a universal lighting fixture 10 which can be deployed and used with varying new or existing networked lighting systems 16, including with what would otherwise be proprietary systems 16.

[0042] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, microcontroller 32, of control apparatus 10, may also be configured to provide bidirectional communication support for a networked lighting system 16. Such bidirectional support enabling lighting string or fixture 14 to provide feedback to a lighting control server(s) (not shown), as required. Microcontroller 32 may be configured to actively identify, for example, a fault or problem associated with control apparatus 10, or lighting devices 12 _n , and to report that fault back to a lighting control server(s). The provision of feedback to a lighting control server(s) may also enable the server(s) to readily determine what type(s) of lighting devices 12 _n are connected to lighting string or fixture 14. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, feedback may be provided to the lighting control server(s) using a protocol selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to: El.33, MQTT, and/or, SNMP. Although examples of feedback protocols are provided, it will be appreciated that control apparatus 10 of the present invention could be readily configured to work with any suitable feedback protocols. A skilled person will appreciate these and other possible feedback protocols, and as such, the present invention should not be construed as limited to the specific examples provided.

[0043] Fig. 2 illustrates an example of how a plurality of lighting strings or fixtures 14 made in accordance with the present invention may be utilised as part of a networked lighting system 16. It will be appreciated that any number of lighting strings or fixtures 14 may be connected to lighting system 16, via any number of PoE switches 20 and/or other similar switch, hub or controller devices. [0044] Figs. 3a & 3b each illustrate an example of how a plurality of lighting devices 12 _n may be connected to and controlled via control apparatus 10 shown in Fig. 1. For example, in the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 3a, lighting devices 12 _n may be connected to control apparatus 10 in a "daisy chained" configuration. Whereas, in the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 3b, lighting devices 12 _n may be connected to control apparatus 10 on a common output bus (e.g. conductors 35). A skilled person will appreciate these and other configurations suitable for connecting lighting devices 12 _n to control apparatus 10. Accordingly, the present invention should not be construed as limited to the specific examples provided herein.

[0045] A flow diagram illustrating a preferred lighting control method

100 (hereinafter simply referred to as "control method 100") for controlling one or more lighting devices 12 _n (such as, for example, LED pixels 12 _n as hereinbefore described) which together form part of a lighting string or fixture 14, is shown in Fig. 4. Control method 100 is suitable for use with control apparatus 10 of Figs. 1 to 3b. It should be understood, however, that the embodiment provided in Fig. 4 only illustrates one way in which lighting devices 12 _n , of a lighting string or fixture 14, may be controlled via, for example, a communications network, in accordance with the present invention. Many other methods (not shown) may be utilised to achieve the same or similar result and as such the present invention is not limited to the specific example provided. Further, it will be appreciated by a skilled person that not all method steps are recited herein. Various steps that are not recited will be readily apparent to a skilled person and thus need not be described in detail herein.

[0046] As can be seen in Fig. 4, the process of preferred control method

100 commences at step 102, whereat an input signal containing both power and control signals is received by a control apparatus 10 of lighting string or fixture 14. Thereafter, at step 104, power is split from the input signal and converted to a predetermined (preferably DC) voltage for powering components (e.g. 30, 32 & 34) of control apparatus 10 and lighting devices 12 _n . Thereafter, a check is made, at step 106, to determine whether the control signals received are of a predetermined control protocol. If, at step 106, it is determined that the control signals are of a predetermined control protocol, control method 100 continues at step 108, whereat the control signals received are used to control lighting devices 12 _n . On the other hand if, at step 106, it is determined that the control signals are not of a predetermined control protocol, control method 100 continues at step 110, whereat the control signals are decoded and converted to the predetermined control protocol required for controlling lighting devices 12 _n . Control method 100 then continues at step 108, whereat the control signals (converted at step 110) are used to control lighting devices 12 _n .

[0047] The present invention therefore provides new and useful lighting strings or fixtures 14 which integrate a number of functional requirements into a single device for controlling lighting devices 12 _n over long distances, using single cable structures. Lighting strings or fixtures 14 made in accordance with the present invention can interoperate with a wide variety of standards based control protocols, and hence, are non-proprietary in design. Further, lighting strings or fixtures 14 made in accordance with the present invention can provide feedback to a lighting control server(s) (not shown) so that the server(s) may, for example, readily determine what type of lighting devices 12 _n are connected to lighting string or fixture 14, and whether those lighting devices 12 _n are functioning. Finally, lighting strings or fixtures 14 made in accordance with the present invention may be used with or without external inputs (i.e. individually or as part of a networked lighting system 16), or may be used with both internal and external inputs simultaneously.

[0048] While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). The present invention is intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth. [0049] As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the attached claims. Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced.

[0050] Where the terms "comprise", "comprises", "comprised" or

"comprising" are used in this specification, they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components referred to, but not to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components to be grouped therewith.