Technical Field

[0001] The present invention is directed generally to outdoor lighting appliances. More particularly, various inventive methods and apparatus disclosed herein relate to an opto- isolated dimming control for outdoor lighting appliances.

Background

[0002] Outdoor lighting fixtures are often controlled to be turned on, turned off, dimmed, etc. in order to control the amount of power which they consume. To this end, an outdoor lighting fixture may be equipped with an outdoor lighting controller (OLC). For this purpose, standards have been developed to allow a variety of OLCs to compatibly interface with a particular lighting fixture, and vice versa. In particular, many outdoor lighting fixtures include a National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standard receptacle, typically on the top of the outdoor lighting fixture, into which an OLC may be plugged.

[0003] A variety of different types of light sources have been employed in outdoor lighting fixtures, including fluorescent lamps, thigh intensity discharge (HID) lamps, and incandescent lamps.

[0004] Meanwhile, digital lighting technologies, i.e. illumination based on semiconductor light sources, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), offer a viable alternative to traditional fluorescent, HID, and incandescent lamps. Functional advantages and benefits of LEDs include high energy conversion and optical efficiency, durability, lower operating costs, and many others. Recent advances in LED technology have provided efficient and robust full-spectrum lighting sources that enable a variety of lighting effects in many applications. Some of the lighting fixtures embodying these sources feature a lighting module, including one or more LEDs capable of producing white light and in some cases light if different colors, e.g. red, green, and blue.

[0005] With the popularity of LEDs on the rise they are now being used in outdoor lighting applications. Because LEDs are easily dimmed and network control of outdoor lighting is now possible, it is desirable to have the ability to dim outdoor lighting fixtures for additional energy savings during non-peak hours of the night. It is also desirable to be able to obtain information back from an LED driver of an outdoor lighting fixture, such as status, arc power, system parameters, etc., for example to provide this information to a network controller and/or to administrator of a lighting system or network which includes the outdoor lighting fixture.

[0006] One issue with control and dimming of outdoor lighting fixtures is getting the signal(s) from the OLC to the LED driver or HID ballast inside the outdoor lighting fixture.

[0007] Electrical contacts used in outdoor environments must be protected to avoid corrosion and must also maintain a low contact resistance over their entire lifetime. It is therefore often necessary to use expensive contact plating materials such as gold to meet these requirements. Another problem with using direct electrical connection for the control is that the OLC output must be isolated from the AC Mains which powers the outdoor lighting fixture and outdoor lighting controller. This is necessary because the control inside the LED driver may be common with the AC mains or the LED Class II output. Without isolation from the AC mains, the OLC or LED driver will be damaged. Connecting the AC mains to the LED class II circuitry can also pose a safety issue. Providing circuit isolation adds cost and complexity to the OLC as well as the LED driver.

[0008] Thus, there is a need in the art to provide an outdoor lighting controller which can provide a control signal or signals to an outdoor lighting fixture while avoiding an electrical contact and while maintaining electrical isolation between the controlling element(s) in the outdoor lighting controller and the controlled elements in the outdoor lighting fixture. There is also a need to provide an outdoor lighting fixture which is compatible with such an outdoor lighting controller. There is further a need to provide an outdoor lighting appliance which includes such an outdoor lighting controller and outdoor lighting fixture.

Summary

[0009] The present disclosure is directed to inventive outdoor lighting controllers, outdoor lighting fixture, and outdoor lighting appliances. For example, the present invention provides opto-isolated dimming control for an outdoor lighting appliance. [0010] Generally, in one aspect, an outdoor lighting controller comprises: a plug for interfacing with a receptacle of an outdoor lighting fixture including at least one light source configured to output light, the plug including: a plurality of electrically conductive contacts for communicating AC electrical power between the outdoor lighting fixture and the outdoor lighting controller, and at least a first optical window; a processor configured to produce a control signal; and an optical signal generating element configured to receive the control signal from the processor and in response thereto to output to the outdoor lighting fixture via the first optical window an optical signal for controlling at least one parameter of the light output by the at least one light source of the outdoor lighting fixture.

[0011] In some embodiments, the processor is configured to produce the at least one control signal including a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal.

[0012] In some versions of these embodiments, the processor is configured to adjust at least one of a pulse width or a duty cycle of the PWM signal to control an intensity of the light output by the at least one light source of the outdoor lighting fixture.

[0013] In some embodiments, the outdoor lighting controller further comprises at least one light detection device, the plug further includes a second optical window for communicating a light signal between the outdoor lighting fixture and the outdoor lighting controller, and the light detection device is configured to receive a second optical signal from the outdoor lighting fixture via the second optical window and in response thereto to supply a data signal to the processor.

[0014] In some embodiments, the outdoor lighting controller further comprises at least one light sensor for sensing an ambient light level in a vicinity of the outdoor lighting controller, and for providing to the processor a sensor signal indicating the sensed ambient light level, wherein the processor is configured to adjust the control sign al in response to the sensor signal.

[0015] In some embodiments, the outdoor lighting controller further comprises: an antenna for communicating an RF signal between the outdoor lighting controller and a segment controller of a lighting network which includes the outdoor lighting controller; and an RF transceiver connected to the processor and the antenna, the RF transceiver being configured to convert transmit data from the processor to a transmit RF signal to be provided to the antenna, and further being configured to convert a receive RF signal from the antenna to receive data to be provided to the processor.

[0016] In some embodiments, the outdoor lighting controller further comprises a housing in communication with the plug, wherein the processor and the optical signal generating element are disposed within the housing

[0017] In another aspect, an outdoor lighting appliance comprises an outdoor lighting controller and an outdoor lighting fixture. The outdoor lighting controller comprises: a plug including a plurality of electrically conductive contacts for communicating AC electrical power between the outdoor lighting fixture and the outdoor lighting controller, and at least a first optical window, a processor configured to produce a control signal, and a first optical signal generating element configured to receive the control signal from the processor and in response thereto to output to the outdoor lighting fixture via the first optical window an optical signal for controlling at least one parameter of light output by the outdoor lighting fixture. The outdoor lighting fixture comprises: a receptacle including a plurality of electrically conductive contacts for communicating AC electrical power between the outdoor lighting fixture and the outdoor lighting controller, and at least a second optical window, a first light detection device configured to receive the optical signal from the outdoor lighting controller via the second optical window and in response thereto to produce an electrical signal, at least one light source configured to produce the light output by the outdoor lighting fixture, and a lighting driver configured to receive the electrical signal produced by the first light detection device and in response thereto to drive the at least one light source to control the at least one parameter of the light output by the outdoor lighting fixture.

[0018] In some embodiments, the processor and the first optical signal generating element of the outdoor lighting controller are electrically isolated from the lighting driver.

[0019] In some embodiments, the at least one light source comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED), wherein the light output by the outdoor lighting fixture comprises light output by the at least one LED, and wherein the lighting driver comprises a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) LED driver which is configured to control an intensity level of the light output by the at least one LED.

[0020] In some versions of these embodiments, the processor is configured to produce the at least one control signal including a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal, and the outdoor lighting fixture further includes a signal conditioning circuit configured to receive the electrical signal produced by the first light detection device in response to the PWM signal, and further configured in response thereto to provide a DALI-compatible digital signal to the DALI LED driver.

[0021] In some versions of these embodiments, the outdoor lighting fixture further comprises a second optical signal generating element configured to receive a data signal from the DALI LED driver and in response thereto to produce a second optical signal, the receptacle includes a third optical window and the plug includes a fourth optical window for

communicating the second optical signal from the outdoor lighting fixture to the outdoor lighting controller, and the outdoor lighting controller further comprises a second light detection device, wherein the second light detection device is configured to receive the second optical signal from the outdoor lighting fixture via the fourth optical window and to supply the data signal to the processor.

[0022] In some versions of these embodiments, the outdoor lighting fixture includes a signal conditioning circuit configured to receive the electrical signal produced by the first light detection device in response to the PWM signal, and in response thereto to provide a first DALI- compatible digital signal to the DALI LED driver, wherein the signal conditioning circuit is further configured to receive a second DALI-compatible digital signal from the DALI LED driver, and in response thereto to provide the data signal to the second optical signal generating element.

[0023] In some versions of these embodiments, the outdoor lighting fixture further includes a power supply connected to supply power to the signal conditioning circuit, wherein the power supply is connected with a DALI ground of the outdoor lighting fixture, and wherein the DALI ground is electrically isolated from an outdoor lighting controller ground to which the processor of the outdoor lighting controller is electrically connected. [0024] In some embodiments, the at least one light source comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED), the light output by the outdoor lighting fixture comprises light output by the at least one LED, and the lighting driver comprises an LED driver which is configured to employ a 0-10 volt analog signal to control a dimming level of the light output by the at least one LED.

[0025] In some versions of these embodiments, the processor is configured to produce the at least one control signal including a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal, and the processor is configured to adjust at least one of a pulse width or a duty cycle of the PWM signal to control a dimming level of the light output by the at least one LED.

[0026] In some embodiments, the lighting appliance further comprises: a first housing for the outdoor lighting controller, the first housing being in communication with the plug, and wherein the processor and the optical signal generating element are disposed within the first housing; and a second housing for the outdoor lighting fixture, the second housing being in communication with the receptacle and being separate and apart from the first housing, and wherein the first light detection element, the at least one light source, and the lighting driver are disposed within the second housing

[0027] In still another aspect, an outdoor lighting fixture comprises: a receptacle for interfacing with a receptacle of an outdoor lighting fixture including at least one light source, the receptacle including: a plurality of electrically conductive contacts for communicating AC electrical power between the outdoor lighting fixture and an outdoor lighting controller, and at least a first optical window; a light detection device configured to receive an optical signal from the outdoor lighting controller via the first optical window and in response thereto to produce an electrical signal; at least one light source configured to output light; and a lighting driver configured to receive the electrical signal produced by the light detection device and in response thereto to drive the at least one light source to control at least one parameter of the light output by the at least one light source.

[0028] In some embodiments, the at least one light source comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED), the light output by the outdoor lighting fixture comprises light output by the at least one LED, and the lighting driver comprises a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) LED driver which is configured to control an intensity level of the light output by the at least one LED.

[0029] In some versions of these embodiments, the outdoor lighting fixture further comprises a signal conditioning circuit configured to receive the electrical signal produced by the light detection device, and further configured in response thereto to provide a DALI- compatible digital signal to the DALI LED driver.

[0030] In some versions of these embodiments, the outdoor lighting fixture further comprises an optical signal generating element configured to receive a data signal from the DALI LED driver and in response thereto to produce a second optical signal, and the receptacle includes a second optical window for communicating the second optical signal from the outdoor lighting fixture to the outdoor lighting controller.

[0031] In some versions of these embodiments, the outdoor lighting fixture further comprises a signal conditioning circuit configured to receive the electrical signal produced by the light detection device, and in response thereto to provide a first DALI-compatible digital signal to the DALI LED driver, and the signal conditioning circuit is further configured to receive a second DALI-compatible digital signal from the DALI LED driver, and in response thereto to provide the data signal to the optical signal generating element.

[0032] In some embodiments, the at least one light source comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED), the light output by the at least one light source comprises light output by the at least one LED, and the lighting driver comprises an LED driver which is configured to employ a 0-10 volt analog signal to control a dimming level of the light output by the at least one LED.

[0033] In yet another aspect, a plug for an outdoor lighting controller comprises: a base; three electrically conductive prongs protruding from one side of the base; and at least one optical window passing through the base.

[0034] In some embodiments, the at least one optical window includes an optical lens. [0035] In some embodiments, the plug includes at least two optical windows passing through the base.

[0036] In some embodiments, the plug includes at least four optical windows passing through the base.

[0037] In a further aspect, a receptacle for an outdoor lighting fixture comprises: a base; three sockets disposed in the base, each socket including a corresponding electrically conductive contact; and at least one optical window passing through the base.

[0038] In some embodiments, the at least one optical window includes an optical lens.

[0039] In some embodiments, the plug includes at least two optical windows passing through the base.

[0040] In some embodiments, the plug includes at least four optical windows passing through the base.

[0041] As used herein for purposes of the present disclosure, the term "LED" should be understood to include 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 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. In particular, the term LED refers to light emitting diodes of all types (including semi-conductor and organic light emitting diodes) that may be configured to generate radiation in one or more of the infrared spectrum, ultraviolet spectrum, and various portions of the visible spectrum (generally including radiation wavelengths from approximately 400 nanometers to approximately 700 nanometers). Some examples of LEDs include, but are not limited to, various types of infrared LEDs, ultraviolet LEDs, red LEDs, blue LEDs, green LEDs, yellow LEDs, amber LEDs, orange LEDs, and white LEDs (discussed further below). It also should be appreciated that LEDs may be configured and/or controlled to generate radiation having various bandwidths (e.g., full widths at half maximum, or FWHM) for a given spectrum (e.g., narrow bandwidth, broad bandwidth), and a variety of dominant wavelengths within a given general color categorization. [0042] For example, one implementation of an LED configured to generate essentially white light (e.g., a white LED) may include a number of dies which respectively emit different spectra of electroluminescence that, in combination, mix to form essentially white light. In another implementation, a white light LED may be associated with a phosphor material that converts electroluminescence having a first spectrum to a different second spectrum. In one example of this implementation, electroluminescence having a relatively short wavelength and narrow bandwidth spectrum "pumps" the phosphor material, which in turn radiates longer wavelength radiation having a somewhat broader spectrum.

[0043] It should also be understood that the term LED does not limit the physical and/or electrical package type of an LED. For example, as discussed above, an LED may refer to a single light emitting device having multiple dies that are configured to respectively emit different spectra of radiation (e.g., that may or may not be individually controllable). Also, an LED may be associated with a phosphor that is considered as an integral part of the LED (e.g., some types of white LEDs). In general, the term LED may refer to packaged LEDs, non-packaged LEDs, surface mount LEDs, chip-on-board LEDs, T-package mount LEDs, radial package LEDs, power package LEDs, LEDs including some type of encasement and/or optical element (e.g., a diffusing lens), etc.

[0044] The term "light source" should be understood to refer to any one or more of a variety of radiation sources, including, but not limited to, LED-based sources (including one or more LEDs as defined above), incandescent sources (e.g., filament lamps, halogen lamps), fluorescent sources, phosphorescent sources, high-intensity discharge sources (e.g., sodium vapor, mercury vapor, and metal halide lamps), lasers, other types of electroluminescent sources, pyro-luminescent sources (e.g., flames), candle-luminescent sources (e.g., gas mantles, carbon arc radiation sources), photo-luminescent sources (e.g., gaseous discharge sources), cathode luminescent sources using electronic satiation, galvano-luminescent sources, crystallo- luminescent sources, kine-luminescent sources, thermo-luminescent sources, triboluminescent sources, sonoluminescent sources, radioluminescent sources, and luminescent polymers.

[0045] A given light source may be configured to generate electromagnetic radiation within the visible spectrum, outside the visible spectrum, or a combination of both. Hence, the terms "light" and "radiation" are used interchangeably herein. Additionally, a light source may include as an integral component one or more filters (e.g., color filters), lenses, or other optical components. Also, it should be understood that light sources may be configured for a variety of applications, including, but not limited to, indication, display, and/or illumination. An

"illumination source" is a light source that is particularly configured to generate radiation having a sufficient intensity to effectively illuminate an interior or exterior space. In this context, "sufficient intensity" refers to sufficient radiant power in the visible spectrum generated in the space or environment (the unit "lumens" often is employed to represent the total light output from a light source in all directions, in terms of radiant power or "luminous flux") to provide ambient illumination (i.e., light that may be perceived indirectly and that may be, for example, reflected off of one or more of a variety of intervening surfaces before being perceived in whole or in part).

[0046] The term "spectrum" should be understood to refer to any one or more frequencies (or wavelengths) of radiation produced by one or more light sources. Accordingly, the term "spectrum" refers to frequencies (or wavelengths) not only in the visible range, but also frequencies (or wavelengths) in the infrared, ultraviolet, and other areas of the overall electromagnetic spectrum. Also, a given spectrum may have a relatively narrow bandwidth (e.g., a FWHM having essentially few frequency or wavelength components) or a relatively wide bandwidth (several frequency or wavelength components having various relative strengths). It should also be appreciated that a given spectrum may be the result of a mixing of two or more other spectra (e.g., mixing radiation respectively emitted from multiple light sources).

[0047] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "color" is used interchangeably with the term "spectrum." However, the term "color" generally is used to refer primarily to a property of radiation that is perceivable by an observer (although this usage is not intended to limit the scope of this term). Accordingly, the terms "different colors" implicitly refer to multiple spectra having different wavelength components and/or bandwidths. It also should be appreciated that the term "color" may be used in connection with both white and non-white light.

[0048] The term "color temperature" generally is used herein in connection with white light, although this usage is not intended to limit the scope of this term. Color temperature essentially refers to a particular color content or shade (e.g., reddish, bluish) of white light. The color temperature of a given radiation sample conventionally is characterized according to the temperature in degrees Kelvin (K) of a black body radiator that radiates essentially the same spectrum as the radiation sample in question. Black body radiator color temperatures generally fall within a range of from approximately 700 degrees K (typically considered the first visible to the human eye) to over 10,000 degrees K; white light generally is perceived at color temperatures above 1500-2000 degrees K.

[0049] Lower color temperatures generally indicate white light having a more significant red component or a "warmer feel," while higher color temperatures generally indicate white light having a more significant blue component or a "cooler feel." By way of example, fire has a color temperature of approximately 1,800 degrees K, a conventional incandescent bulb has a color temperature of approximately 2848 degrees K, early morning daylight has a color temperature of approximately 3,000 degrees K, and overcast midday skies have a color temperature of approximately 10,000 degrees K. A color image viewed under white light having a color temperature of approximately 3,000 degree K has a relatively reddish tone, whereas the same color image viewed under white light having a color temperature of approximately 10,000 degrees K has a relatively bluish tone.

[0050] The term "lighting fixture" is used herein to refer to an implementation or arrangement of one or more lighting units in a particular form factor, assembly, or package. The term "lighting unit" is used herein to refer to an apparatus including one or more light sources of same or different types. A given lighting unit may have any one of a variety of mounting arrangements for the light source(s), enclosure/housing arrangements and shapes, and/or electrical and mechanical connection configurations. Additionally, a given lighting unit optionally may be associated with (e.g., include, be coupled to and/or packaged together with) various other components (e.g., control circuitry) relating to the operation of the light source(s). An "LED-based lighting unit" refers to a lighting unit that includes one or more LED- based light sources as discussed above, alone or in combination with other non LED-based light sources. A "multi-channel" lighting unit refers to an LED-based or non LED-based lighting unit that includes at least two light sources configured to respectively generate different spectrums of radiation, wherein each different source spectrum may be referred to as a "channel" of the multi-channel lighting unit.

[0051] The term "controller" is used herein generally to describe various apparatus relating to the operation of one or more light 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 employs one or more microprocessors that may be programmed using software (e.g., microcode) 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 microprocessors and associated circuitry) to perform other functions. Examples of controller components that may be employed in various embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, conventional microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0052] In various implementations, a processor or controller may be associated with one or more storage media (generically referred to herein as "memory," e.g., volatile and non-volatile computer memory such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM, floppy disks, compact disks, optical disks, magnetic tape, 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 so as to implement various aspects of the present invention discussed herein. The terms "program" or "computer program" are 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.

[0053] The term "addressable" is used herein to refer to a device (e.g., a light source in general, a lighting unit or fixture, a controller or processor associated with one or more light sources or lighting units, other non-lighting related devices, etc.) that is configured to receive information (e.g., data) intended for multiple devices, including itself, and to selectively respond to particular information intended for it. The term "addressable" often is used in connection with a networked environment (or a "network," discussed further below), in which multiple devices are coupled together via some communications medium or media.

[0054] In one network implementation, one or more devices coupled to a network may serve as a controller for one or more other devices coupled to the network (e.g., in a master/slave relationship). In another implementation, a networked environment may include one or more dedicated controllers that are configured to control one or more of the devices coupled to the network. Generally, multiple devices coupled to the network each may have access to data that is present on the communications medium or media; however, a given device may be "addressable" in that it is configured to selectively exchange data with (i.e., receive data from and/or transmit data to) the network, based, for example, on one or more particular identifiers (e.g., "addresses") assigned to it.

[0055] The term "network" as used herein refers to any interconnection of two or more devices (including controllers or processors) that facilitates the transport of information (e.g. for device control, data storage, data exchange, 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 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 systems, 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 fiber optic links to facilitate information transport throughout the network.

[0056] The term "user interface" as used herein refers to an interface between a human user or operator and one or more devices that enables communication between the user and the device(s). Examples of user interfaces that may be employed in various implementations of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, switches, potentiometers, buttons, dials, sliders, a mouse, keyboard, keypad, various types of game controllers (e.g., joysticks), track balls, display screens, various types of graphical user interfaces (GUIs), touch screens, microphones and other types of sensors that may receive some form of human-generated stimulus and generate a signal in response thereto.

[0057] It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. It should also be appreciated that terminology explicitly employed herein that also may appear in any disclosure incorporated by reference should be accorded a meaning most consistent with the particular concepts disclosed herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0058] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

[0059] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an outdoor lighting network.

[0060] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an outdoor lighting appliance.

[0061] FIG. 3 shows a high level functional block diagram of one example of an outdoor lighting fixture.

[0062] FIGs. 4A and 4B illustrate example embodiments of a plug and a receptacle for interfacing an outdoor lighting controller to an outdoor lighting fixture.

[0063] FIG. 5 shows a functional diagram of one embodiment of an outdoor lighting appliance including an outdoor lighting controller and outdoor lighting fixture.

[0064] FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a portion of an outdoor lighting appliance including an outdoor lighting controller and outdoor lighting fixture.

[0065] FIG. 7 shows a functional diagram of another embodiment of an outdoor lighting appliance including an outdoor lighting controller and outdoor lighting fixture.

[0066] FIG. 8 illustrates a computer model which may be used to simulate the dimming operation of the outdoor lighting appliance shown in FIG. 7.

[0067] FIG. 9 plots a simulation result for the computer model of FIG. 8, illustrating a relationship between the on time, or duty cycle, of the pulse-width-modulated (PWM) output signal produced by an outdoor lighting controller, and a 0-10 Volt dimming voltage realized at an LED driver of outdoor lighting fixture which is controlled by the outdoor lighting controller.

[0068] FIG. 10 shows a functional diagram of yet another embodiment of an outdoor lighting appliance including an outdoor lighting controller and outdoor lighting fixture.

Detailed Description

[0069] More generally, Applicants have recognized and appreciated that it would be beneficial to provide an improved control signal interface between an outdoor lighting controller and an outdoor lighting fixture which can avoid an electrical contact and maintain electrical isolation between the controlling element(s) in the outdoor lighting controller and the controlled elements in the outdoor lighting fixture.

[0070] In view of the foregoing, various embodiments and implementations of the present invention are directed to an outdoor lighting controller, an outdoor lighting fixture, an outdoor lighting appliance with includes an outdoor lighting controller and outdoor lighting fixture, and an interface between an outdoor lighting controller and an outdoor lighting fixture, including a plug for an outdoor lighting controller and a receptacle for an outdoor lighting fixture.

[0071] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an outdoor lighting network 100. Outdoor lighting network 100 includes a plurality of outdoor lighting appliances 102 (sometimes referred to as nodes of lighting nodes) and at least one segment controller or gateway 104.

[0072] Outdoor lighting appliances 102 in general each include an outdoor lighting fixture which emits might, and a corresponding outdoor lighting controller which controls one or more parameters (e.g., the intensity) of the light which is emitted by the corresponding outdoor lighting fixture. In particular, the outdoor lighting fixture of each outdoor lighting appliance 102 may be controlled to dim or turn off its light output, for example during certain time periods (e.g., during the daytime) and/or in response to a signal from an environmental sensor (e.g., an ambient light sensor indicating a high ambient light level). In some embodiments, the outdoor lighting controller of each outdoor lighting appliance 102 may include a communication subsystem for communicating with segment controller 104 and/or one or more other outdoor lighting appliances 102.

[0073] Segment controller 104 includes a processor, memory and a communication subsystem for communicating with one or more of outdoor lighting appliances 102.

[0074] In some embodiments, outdoor lighting appliances 102 may communicate with segment controller 104 and/or each other via an RF communication protocol. In that case, outdoor lighting appliances 102 and segment controller 104 may include an RF transceiver and an antenna. In some embodiments, each outdoor lighting appliance 102 may have a unique network address such that each outdoor lighting appliance 102 is individually addressable.

[0075] In some embodiments, outdoor lighting network 100 may comprise a mesh network of RF links. In that case, RF signals transmitted from an outdoor lighting appliance 102 may "hop" from outdoor lighting appliance 102 to outdoor lighting appliance 102 to reach segment controller 104. Conversely, RF signals transmitted from reach segment controller 104 to a particular destination outdoor lighting appliance 102 may "hop" from outdoor lighting appliance 102 to outdoor lighting appliance 102 to reach the destination outdoor lighting appliance 102.

[0076] In some embodiments, segment controller 104 may further include one or more communication interfaces for communicating with the public switched telephone network (PSTN), a wide area network (WAN), a base station of a cellular telephone network, etc. for ultimately connecting to the Internet. In some embodiments, segment controller 104 may include a communication interface for directly connecting to the Internet. In this way, segment controller 104 may report the status of each of the various outdoor lighting appliances 102 to an administrator of lighting network 100, for example to an administration terminal or server accessible by the administrator via a user interface (e.g., display screen, keyboard, touchscreen, mouse, etc.). Furthermore, segment controller 104 may provide control data from the administrator to each of the various outdoor lighting appliances 102, for example to program different time periods when each of the various outdoor lighting appliances 102 should be turned on or off or dimmed, the dimming levels, etc. This control data for a given outdoor lighting appliance 102 may be stored, for example, in a memory device of the outdoor lighting controller for that outdoor lighting appliance 102.

[0077] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an outdoor lighting appliance 2000 which may be one example of outdoor lighting appliance 102. Outdoor lighting appliance 2000 includes an outdoor lighting controller 2100 and an outdoor lighting fixture 2200. Outdoor lighting controller 2100 and outdoor lighting fixture 2200 each have their own corresponding housing in which their components are disposed. Although not visible in FIG. 2, outdoor lighting fixture 2200 includes a receptacle disposed in an upper surface which mates with a plug at the bottom surface of outdoor lighting controller 2100. As described in more detail below, outdoor lighting controller 2100 produces one or more control signals for controlling one or more illumination parameters (e.g., a light intensity, or dimming level) of outdoor lighting fixture 2200, and provides the control signal(s) to outdoor lighting fixture 2200 via the combination of the plug and receptacle.

[0078] FIG. 3 shows a high level functional block diagram of one example of an outdoor lighting fixture 3200. Outdoor lighting fixture 3200 includes a receptacle 3210, a lighting driver 3240 and a lamp or light source 3250. Receptacle 3210 includes three electrically conductive contacts 3214. One electrically conductive contact 3214 is connected to AC neutral. Another electrically conductive contact 3214 is connected via an optional fuse to AC line-in (LI) power. The AC line-in power is provided from outdoor lighting fixture 3200 to a corresponding outdoor lighting controller via electrically conductive contact 3214 and a matching electrically conductive prong on a plug for the outdoor lighting controller. And a third electrically conductive contact 3214 receives AC line-out (LO) power back from a matching electrically conductive prong on the plug for the outdoor lighting controller to supply power for outdoor lighting fixture 3200.

[0079] FIGs. 4A and 4B illustrate example embodiments of a plug 10 and a receptacle 20 for interfacing an outdoor lighting controller to an outdoor lighting fixture. Plug 10 includes: a base or substrate 12 in the shape of a disk; a plurality of (e.g., three) electrically conductive prongs or contacts 14 protruding from one side of base 12; and at least one optical window 16 (e.g., four optical windows 16) passing through base 12. Receptacle 20 includes: a base 22; a plurality of (e.g., three) sockets 24 disposed in the base, each socket 24 including a corresponding electrically conductive contact; and at least one optical window 26 passing through base 22. Although plug 10 and receptacle 20 each include four optical windows 16 and 26, respectively, in general the plug and receptacle may include one, two, three, four, or more optical windows.

[0080] In some embodiments, one or more of optical windows 16 comprises an optical lens disposed in an aperture passing through base 12. In some embodiments, one or more of optical windows 26 comprises an optical lens disposed in an aperture passing through base 22.

[0081] When plug 10 and receptacle 20 are coupled or connected together, optical windows 16 and 26 align with each other so that optical signals may be coupled between plug 10 and receptacle 20. As described below, in some embodiments an outdoor lighting controller may be provided with plug 10 and an outdoor lighting fixture may be provided with receptacle 20. In that case, the outdoor lighting controller may provide one or more control signals to the outdoor lighting fixture optically via a pair of optical windows 16 and 26. Also, in some embodiments he outdoor lighting fixture may provide data (e.g., data pertaining to an operating condition, status, or operating parameter of one or more components of the outdoor lighting fixture) to the outdoor lighting controller through another pair of optical windows 26 and 16. Accordingly, the outdoor lighting controller may provide opto-isolated control of the outdoor lighting fixture whereby the control signal(s) and data are passed between the outdoor lighting controller and the outdoor lighting fixture optically. Therefore, the need for one or more electrical contacts (which may be expensive and/or subject to corrosion) for passing control signal(s) and data between the outdoor lighting controller and the outdoor lighting fixture may be avoided. Meanwhile, AC power may be communicated between the outdoor lighting controller and the outdoor lighting fixture via electrically conductive prongs or contacts 14 of plug 10 and sockets 24 including, corresponding electrically conductive contacts, of receptacle 20.

[0082] FIG. 5 shows a functional diagram of one embodiment of an outdoor lighting appliance 5000 which may be one example of outdoor lighting appliance 102. Outdoor lighting appliance 5000 includes an outdoor lighting controller 5100 and an outdoor lighting fixture 5200.

[0083] Outdoor lighting controller 5100 includes a plug 5110, a processor 5120, an optical signal generating element (e.g., an LED) 5130, and a light detection device (e.g., a

phototransistor or photodiode) 5150. Processor 5120 is operationally coupled to optical signal generating element 5130 and light detection device 5150. In general, processor 5120 has associated therewith memory, which may include volatile and/or nonvolatile memory such as FLASH memory, random access memory (RAM), programmable read only memory (PROM), etc.

[0084] Outdoor lighting fixture 5200 includes a receptacle 5220, a light detection device (e.g., a phototransistor or photodiode) 5227, an optical signal generating element (e.g., an LED) 5229, a signal conditioning circuit 5230, a lighting driver 5240, and one of more light sources 5250. In this embodiment, light sources 5250 comprise an LED array, lighting driver 5240 comprises a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) LED driver, and signal conditioning circuit 5230 comprises DALI transmit/receive circuitry.

[0085] Plug 5110 includes a plurality of electrically conductive prongs or contacts for communicating AC electrical power between outdoor lighting fixture 5200 and outdoor lighting controller 5100, and optical windows 5116, each of which may include a corresponding lens. In some embodiments, optical signal generating element (e.g., LED) 5130 and light detection device (e.g., phototransistor or photodiode) 5150 are installed in plug 5110. Receptacle 5220 includes a plurality of electrically conductive contacts for communicating AC electrical power between outdoor lighting fixture 5200 and outdoor lighting controller 5100, and optical windows 5226, each of which may include a corresponding lens. In some embodiments, optical signal generating element (e.g., LED) 5229 and light detection device (e.g., phototransistor or photodiode) 5227 are installed in receptacle 5220. Plug 5110 interfaces with receptacle 5220. [0086] As FIG. 5 is a functional diagram, it should be understood that the actual positions of the electrically conductive prongs and optical windows 5116 in plug 5110 may differ from the way they are illustrated in FIG. 5. Similarly, it should be understood that the actual positions of the electrically conductive sockets and optical windows 5226 in receptacle 5220 may differ from the way they are illustrated in FIG. 5. However, when plug 5110 and receptacle 5220 are mated together, then optical windows 5116 and optical windows 5226 should be aligned in pairs so that optical signals may be communicated between outdoor lighting controller 5100 and outdoor lighting fixture 5200.

[0087] Outdoor lighting controller 5100 also includes a sensor 5160, an RF transceiver 5170, and an antenna 5180. In some embodiments sensor 5160 may be an ambient light sensor. In some embodiments, outdoor lighting controller 5100 may communicate via RF transceiver 5170 and antenna 5180 with other outdoor lighting controllers and/or a segment controller in a lighting network, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 1. Although not shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments outdoor lighting controller 5100 may include a built-in Global Positioning System (GPS) device which provides a signal to processor 5120 indicating the exact position or location of outdoor lighting appliance 5000. Processor 5120 may then communicate via RF transceiver 5170 and antenna 5180 the location of outdoor lighting appliance 5000 to a segment controller/gateway or other device in a lighting network to which outdoor lighting appliance 5000 belongs, which may facilitate commissioning and control of outdoor lighting appliance 5000. Outdoor lighting controller 5100 may include one or more additional components or functional blocks not shown in FIG. 5. For example, outdoor lighting controller 5100 may include a relay which is controlled by processor 5120 to switch on or off AC Mains power supplied via plug 5110 and receptacle 5220 to the circuits in outdoor lighting fixture 5200.

[0088] In some embodiments sensor 5160 may be omitted. In some embodiments, RF transceiver 5170 and antenna 5180 may be omitted.

[0089] In operation, processor 5120 is configured to produce a control signal, and optical signal generating element 5130 is configured to receive the control signal from processor 5120 and in response thereto to output to outdoor lighting fixture 5200 via optical window 5116 an optical signal for controlling at least one parameter of the light output by light source 5250 of outdoor lighting fixture 5200. In some embodiments, processor 5120 outputs a pulse width modulated (PWM) control signal as a digital dimming signal, in particular a DALI signal. That is, processor 5120 is configured to adjust at least one of a pulse width or a duty cycle of the PWM signal to produce a digital dimming signal which will be processed by outdoor lighting fixture 5200 such that it is recognized and responded to by DALI LED driver 5240 to set or control the intensity or dimming level of the light output by light source 5250 of outdoor lighting fixture 5200 to a desired level.

[0090] In some embodiments, processor 5120 may receive a sensor signal from sensor 5160 and is configured to adjust the control signal in response to the sensor signal. For example, in some embodiments when sensor 5160 is an ambient light sensor, processor 5120 may receive a sensor signal from sensor 5160 which indicates the ambient light level. In that case, when the sensor signal indicates that the ambient light level is low, processor 5120 may produce a control signal which will cause DALI LED driver 5240 to drive LED light source(s) 5250 to output light at a high intensity (i.e., not dimmed at all or dimmed very little). Conversely, when the sensor signal indicates that the ambient light level is high, processor 5120 may produce a control signal which will cause DALI LED driver 5240 to dim or turn off LED light source(s) 5250.

[0091] In some embodiments, processor 5120 may receive via RF transceiver 5170 control data from an administrator of a lighting network to which outdoor lighting appliance 5000 belongs, for example as described above with respect to FIG. 1. In that case, processor 5120 may adjust the control signal in response to the received control data so as to control the intensity or dimming level of LED light source(s) 5250.

[0092] The optical signal output by optical window 5116 is received via optical window 5226 by light detection device 5227. In response to the received optical signal, light detection device 5227 produces an electrical signal. Signal conditioning circuit 5230 receives the electrical signal produced by light detection device 5227 and in response thereto provides a DALI-compatible digital signal to DALI LED driver 5240.

[0093] Additionally, DALI LED driver 5240 may output a DALI digital data signal to signal conditioning circuit 5230. The DALI digital data signal may convey data pertaining to an operating status, condition, parameter, etc. of DALI LED driver 5240 and/or light source(s) 5250. For example, if there is a fault in light source(s) 5250, this may be reported back to outdoor lighting controller 5100 via the DALI digital data signal. In turn, outdoor lighting controller 5100 may report this data back to an administrator of a lighting network in which outdoor lighting appliance 5000 is included, for example as described above with respect to FIG. 1.

[0094] Signal conditioning circuit 5230 receives the DALI digital data signal from DALI LED driver 5240 and provides the data signal to optical signal generating element 5229. In response to the data signal, optical signal generating element 5229 produces an optical signal and couples the optical signal via optical window 5226 and 5216 to light detection device 5150. Light detection device 5150 receives the second optical signal from outdoor lighting fixture 5200 and supplies the data signal to processor 5120.

[0095] Thus as described above, outdoor lighting controller 5100 provides opto-isolated control of outdoor lighting fixture 5200 wherein the control signal(s) and data are passed between outdoor lighting controller 5100 and outdoor lighting fixture 5200 optically.

Accordingly, processor 5120 and optical signal generating element 5130 of outdoor lighting controller 5100 are electrically isolated from lighting driver 5240 and light source(s) 5250 of outdoor lighting fixture 5200. Furthermore, the need for one or more electrical contacts (which may be expensive and/or subject to corrosion) for passing control signal(s) and data between outdoor lighting controller 5100 and outdoor lighting fixture 5200 is avoided.

[0096] FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a portion of an outdoor lighting appliance 6000 which may be one example of outdoor lighting appliance 102. Outdoor lighting appliance 6000 includes an outdoor lighting controller 6100 and an outdoor lighting fixture 6200. In particular, FIG. 6 illustrates components of a signal conditioning circuit of outdoor lighting appliance 6000 which interfaces and properly formats signals between: (1) a DALI LED driver, and (2) light detection device 6227 and optical signal generating element 6229. As shown in FIG. 6, outdoor lighting fixture 6200 includes a power supply 6270 connected to supply power to the signal conditioning circuit. Power supply 6270 is connected with a DALI ground of outdoor lighting fixture 6200, and the DALI ground is electrically isolated from an outdoor lighting controller (OLC) ground to which processor 6120 of outdoor lighting controller 6100 is electrically connected.

[0097] FIG. 7 shows a functional diagram of another embodiment of an outdoor lighting appliance 7000 which may be another example of outdoor lighting appliance 102. Outdoor lighting appliance 7000 includes an outdoor lighting controller 7100 and an outdoor lighting fixture 7200. In contrast to outdoor lighting appliance 5000 which employs DALI LED control, outdoor lighting appliance 7000 employs analog 0-lOV dimming control which is an analog standard in the industry.

[0098] Outdoor lighting controller 7100 includes a plug 7110, a processor 7120, and an optical signal generating element (e.g., an LED) 7130. Processor 7120 is operationally coupled to optical signal generating element 7130 and light detection device 7150. In general, processor 7120 has associated therewith memory, which may include volatile and/or nonvolatile memory such as FLASH memory, random access memory (RAM), programmable read only memory (PROM), etc.

[0099] Outdoor lighting fixture 7200 includes a receptacle 7220, a light detection device (e.g., a phototransistor) 7227, a filter 7230, a lighting driver 7240, and one of more light sources 7250. Here, light sources 7250 comprise an LED array and lighting driver 7240 an LED driver.

[00100] Plug 7110 includes a plurality of electrically conductive prongs or contacts for communicating AC electrical power between outdoor lighting fixture 7200 and outdoor lighting controller 7100, and an optical window 7116, which may include a corresponding lens. In some embodiments, optical signal generating element (e.g., a LED) 7130 is installed in plug 7110. Receptacle 7220 includes a plurality of electrically conductive contacts for communicating AC electrical power between outdoor lighting fixture 7200 and outdoor lighting controller 7100, and an optical window 7226, which may include a corresponding lens. In some embodiments, light detection device (e.g., phototransistor) 7227 is installed in receptacle 7220. Plug 7110 interfaces with receptacle 7220.

[00101] As FIG. 7 is a functional diagram, it should be understood that the actual positions of the electrically conductive prongs and optical window 7116 in plug 7110 may differ from the way they are illustrated in FIG. 5. Similarly, it should be understood that the actual positions of the electrically conductive sockets and optical window 7226 in receptacle 7220 may differ from the way they are illustrated in FIG. 5. However, when plug 7110 and receptacle 7220 are mated together, then optical window 7116 and optical window 7226 should be aligned in pairs so that optical signals may be communicated between outdoor lighting controller 7100 and outdoor lighting fixture 7200.

[00102] Outdoor lighting controller 7100 also includes a sensor 7160, an RF transceiver 7170, and an antenna 7180. In some embodiments sensor 7160 may be an ambient light sensor. In some embodiments, outdoor lighting controller 7100 may communicate via RF transceiver 7170 and antenna 7180 with other outdoor lighting controllers and/or a segment controller in a lighting network, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 1. Although not shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments outdoor lighting controller 7100 may include a built-in Global Positioning System (GPS) device which provides a signal to processor 7120 indicating the exact position or location of outdoor lighting appliance 7000. Processor 7120 may then communicate via RF transceiver 7170 and antenna 7180 the location of outdoor lighting appliance 7000 to a segment controller/gateway or other device in a lighting network to which outdoor lighting appliance 7000 belongs, which may facilitate commissioning and control of outdoor lighting appliance 7000. Outdoor lighting controller 7100 may include one or more additional components or functional blocks not shown in FIG. 7. For example, outdoor lighting controller 5100 may include a relay which is controlled by processor 7120 to switch on or off AC Mains power supplied via plug 7110 and receptacle 7220 to the circuits in outdoor lighting fixture 7200.

[00103] In some embodiments sensor 7160 may be omitted. In some embodiments, RF transceiver 7170 and antenna 7180 may be omitted.

[00104] In operation, processor 7120 is configured to produce a control signal, and optical signal generating element 7130 is configured to receive the control signal from processor 7120 and in response thereto to output to outdoor lighting fixture 7200 via optical window 7116 an optical signal for controlling at least one parameter of the light output by light source 7250 of outdoor lighting fixture 7200. In some embodiments, processor 7120 outputs a pulse width modulated (PWM) control signal as a control signal for 0-10 V analog dimming, as described in greater detail below. That is, processor 7120 is configured to adjust at least one of a pulse width or a duty cycle of the PWM signal such that the PWM signal will be processed by circuitry in outdoor lighting fixture 7200 to set or control an intensity or dimming level of the light output by light source 7250 of outdoor lighting fixture 7200 to a desired level.

[00105] In some embodiments, processor 7120 may receive a sensor signal from sensor 7160 and is configured to adjust the control signal in response to the sensor signal. For example, in some embodiments when sensor 7160 is an ambient light sensor, processor 7120 may receive a sensor signal from sensor 7160 which indicates the ambient light level. In that case, when the sensor signal indicates that the ambient light level is low, processor 7120 may produce a control signal which will cause 0-lOV LED driver 7240 to drive LED light source(s) 7250 to output light at a high intensity (i.e., not dimmed at all or dimmed very little). Conversely, when the sensor signal indicates that the ambient light level is high, processor 7120 may produce a control signal which will cause 0-lOV LED driver 7240 to dim LED light source(s) 7250.

[00106] In some embodiments, processor 7120 may receive via RF transceiver 7170 control data from an administrator of a lighting network to which outdoor lighting appliance 7000 belongs, for example as described above with respect to FIG. 1. In that case, processor 7120 may adjust the control signal in response to the received control data so as to control the intensity or dimming level of LED light source(s) 7250.

[00107] The optical signal output of optical signal generating element 7130 is received via optical window 7226 by light detection device 7227. In response to the received optical signal, light detection device 7227 produces an electrical signal. Filter 7230 receives the electrical signal produced by light detection device 7227 and in response thereto provides an analog 0-10 V dimming signal for LED driver 7240. No additional power supply is needed for light detection device 7227 and filter 7230 of outdoor lighting fixture 7200 because they are powered by the 0- 10V analog dimming signal of LED driver 7240. Furthermore, processor 7120 and optical signal generating element 7130 are electrically isolated from LED driver 7240 and light source(s) 7250.

[00108] Thus as described above, outdoor lighting controller 7100 provides opto-isolated control of outdoor lighting fixture 7200 wherein the control signal(s) are passed from outdoor lighting controller 7100 to outdoor lighting fixture 7200 optically. Accordingly, processor 7120 and optical signal generating element 7130 of outdoor lighting controller 7100 are electrically isolated from lighting driver 7240 and light source(s) 7250 of outdoor lighting fixture 7200. Furthermore, the need for one or more electrical contacts (which may be expensive and/or subject to corrosion) for passing control signal(s) and data between outdoor lighting controller 7100 and outdoor lighting fixture 7200 is avoided.

[00109] FIG. 8 illustrates an LT Spice computer model 800 which may be used to simulate the dimming operation of the outdoor lighting appliance shown in FIG. 7.

[00110] FIG. 9 plots a simulation result for the computer model 800, illustrating a relationship between the duty cycle of the pulse-width-modulated (PWM) output signal produced by an outdoor lighting controller and a 0-10 Volt analog dim ming voltage realized at an LED driver of outdoor lighting fixture which is controlled by the outdoor lighting controller. Here it is assumed that the period of each pulse width cycle is 1000 μεβο., and it is seen that by varying the ON period of the PWM signal from 10 to 900 μεβο (i.e., varying the duty cycle from 1% to 90%), then a dimming signal having a voltage range which varies from 0-10 volts may provided to LED driver 7240.

[00111] FIG. 10 shows a functional diagram of yet another embodiment of an outdoor lighting appliance 10000 which may be another example of outdoor lighting appliance 102. Outdoor lighting appliance 10000 includes an outdoor lighting controller 10100 and an outdoor lighting fixture 10200. Outdoor lighting appliance 10000 is similar to outdoor lighting appliance 7000, and therefore the only differences therebetween will be discussed.

[00112] In particular, outdoor lighting controller 10100 includes two optical signal generating elements (e.g., LEDs) 7130, and outdoor lighting fixture 10200 includes two sets of: light detection devices (e.g., phototransistors) 7227, filters 7230, lighting drivers (e.g., LED drivers) 7240, and light sources, or sets of light sources, (e.g., LED arrays) 7250. I n particular, outdoor lighting appliance 10000 may include two separate LED arrays 7250, and outdoor lighting controller 10100 is able to independently control or dim the two LED arrays 7250 via two separate optical signals which are communicated by the two optical signal generating elements 7130 via corresponding pairs of optical windows 10126/10226, light detection devices 7227, filters 7230 and LED driver 7240s. In some embodiments, the two LED arrays 7250 may be provided at different areas of the "head" of lighting fixture 10200 for providing illumination in two different directions (e.g., in opposite directions).

[00113] Although FIG. 7 illustrates an example embodiment of an outdoor lighting appliance 7000 where the outdoor lighting controller provides one optical signal to an outdoor lighting fixture for controlling one set of light sources, and FIG. 10 illustrates an example embodiment of an outdoor lighting appliance 10000 where the outdoor lighting controller provides two optical signals to an outdoor lighting fixture for controlling one set of light sources, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the outdoor lighting controller may provide three, four, or more optical signals to the outdoor lighting fixture for controlling a corresponding number of sets of light sources (e.g., a plurality of separate LED arrays). In that case, the plug and receptacle should include a corresponding number of optical windows for passing the optical signal from the outdoor lighting controller to the outdoor lighting fixture. In such

embodiments, the lighting fixture may have a plurality of separate LED arrays arranged at different locations in the lighting fixture's "head" for providing independently controllable illumination in a plurality of different directions.

[00114] While several inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein.

[00115] I n particular, for example, although outdoor lighting appliances have been described above which pass optical signals between the outdoor lighting controller and the outdoor lighting fixture to control the lighting fixture according to a standard 0-lOV dimming

arrangement or according to the DALI protocol, in other embodiments other dimming control signals and arrangements can be employed, including for example a custom or proprietary digital protocol. Also, outdoor lighting controllers have been described which control a lighting fixture according to a standard 0-lOV dimming arrangement, and other outdoor lighting controllers have been described which control a lighting fixture according to the DALI protocol, in other embodiments, a single outdoor lighting controller can include the components to control a lighting fixture according to a standard 0-lOV dimming arrangement, and/or according to the DALI protocol, depending on the nature of the outdoor lighting fixture into which it is plugged. For example, one or more optical windows in defined positions in the plug and receptacle may be assigned for communication of one or more standard 0-lOV control signals, and other optical windows in other defined positions in the plug and receptacle may be assigned for communication of DALI signals between the outdoor lighting controller and the outdoor lighting fixture.

[00116] More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

[00117] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[00118] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one." [00119] The phrase "and/or," as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and/or" should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the "and/or" clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to "A and/or B", when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising" can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[00120] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and/or" as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and/or" shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as "only one of" or "exactly one of," or, when used in the claims, "consisting of," will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term "or" as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. "one or the other but not both") when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as "either," "one of," "only one of," or "exactly one of." "Consisting essentially of," when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[00121] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase "at least one," in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently, "at least one of A or B," or, equivalently "at least one of A and/or B") can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

[00122] It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.

[00123] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as "comprising," "including," "carrying," "having," "containing," "involving," "holding," "composed of," and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03.