Distributed intelligence ballast system and extended lighting control protocol
First Claim
1. A method for processing electronic photosensor information in a ballast of a multi-ballast lighting system, the ballast coupled directly to a photosensor, the multi-ballast lighting system having a plurality of ballasts connected together for exchanging data over a communication link, the method comprising:
- receiving at the ballast the electronic photosensor information from the photosensor;
determining in the ballast whether the ballast is operating in a default configuration; and
broadcasting the electronic photosensor information from the photosensor on the communication link if the ballast is operating in the default configuration.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Reexamination
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.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method for processing electronic photosensor information in a ballast of a multi-ballast lighting system, the ballast coupled directly to a photosensor, the multi-ballast lighting system having a plurality of ballasts connected together for exchanging data over a communication link, the method comprising:
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receiving at the ballast the electronic photosensor information from the photosensor; determining in the ballast whether the ballast is operating in a default configuration; and broadcasting the electronic photosensor information from the photosensor on the communication link if the ballast is operating in the default configuration. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A ballast for use in a multi-ballast lighting system, the ballast coupled directly to a photosensor for receiving electronic photosensor information, the multi-ballast lighting system having a plurality of ballasts connected together for exchanging data over a communication link, the ballast comprising:
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a communication port adapted to be coupled to the communication link; a photosensor input adapted to receive electronic photosensor information from the photosensor; a memory adapted to store the electronic photosensor information; and a processor operatively coupled to the communication port, the photosensor input, and the memory, the processor adapted to determine whether the ballast is operating in a default configuration, and to broadcast the electronic photosensor information on the communication link if the ballast is operating in the default configuration. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification