DISTRIBUTED INTELLIGENCE BALLAST SYSTEM AND EXTENDED LIGHTING CONTROL PROTOCOL
First Claim
1. A method for configuring a ballast in a multi-ballast addressable lighting system wherein the ballasts interface with a communication link, the method comprising:
- providing the ballast with at least a processor, sensor inputs and a communication port; and
installing the ballast for communication with the link, the ballast being configured prior to installing the ballast on the link in an out-of-box mode to broadcast over the communication link sensor information from the sensor inputs received by the ballast and to receive messages broadcast over the link from remote devices coupled to the communication link.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A ballast for use in a multi-ballast lighting system wherein the ballasts are coupled together by a digital communication network. The ballast comprises a power circuit portion for providing an electrical current to power a lamp. The ballast further includes a sensor input circuit for receiving at least one sensor input from a sensor device, a processor receiving an input from the sensor input circuit and providing control signals to control the operation of the ballast, and a communication port coupled to the processor and to the communication network for exchanging data. The ballast processor is operative to receive a serial data that has a portion defining whether the message is in a first or a second format, the first format comprising a DALI standard format and the second format comprising a format providing extended functionality. The ballast processor is capable of processing messages in either the first or second formats.
77 Citations
8 Claims
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1. A method for configuring a ballast in a multi-ballast addressable lighting system wherein the ballasts interface with a communication link, the method comprising:
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providing the ballast with at least a processor, sensor inputs and a communication port; and installing the ballast for communication with the link, the ballast being configured prior to installing the ballast on the link in an out-of-box mode to broadcast over the communication link sensor information from the sensor inputs received by the ballast and to receive messages broadcast over the link from remote devices coupled to the communication link. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A ballast in a multi-ballast addressable lighting system wherein the ballasts interface with a communication link, the ballast comprising:
a processor, memory, sensor inputs and a communication port, wherein the ballast is configured in an out-of-box mode prior to being installed on the link such that the ballast is adapted to broadcast over the communication link sensor information from the sensor inputs received by the ballast and to receive messages broadcast over the link from remote devices coupled to the communication link. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8)
Specification