CN118715873A - System and method for railway intelligent flashing light - Google Patents

Abstract

A smart light system and method for monitoring LED status. The system may provide LED status monitoring using a logic controller that communicates with at least one LED light strip. The system may utilize the logic controller to assign a unique identifier (ID) to at least one LED light strip based on the physical location of a plurality of dual in-line package (DIP) switches contained within a housing of the smart light. The system may provide a hardware architecture to connect the logic controller to a power line communication (PLC) transceiver. The system may establish a communication protocol between the PLC transceiver and the PLC receiver to efficiently communicate the status of the LED. The logic controller may generate a payload including a unique ID of the smart light and a binary representation of the LED status, and transmit the payload to the PLC transceiver.

Description

System and method for railway intelligent flashing light

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to light emitting diode (LED) lamps, and more particularly to smart lamp systems and methods for monitoring LED status in flash lamps.

background

Railroad crossings are critical to connecting railroads and vehicles at intersections. When a train approaches a railroad crossing, the railroad crossing signals to drivers or pedestrians, ensuring the safety of all parties involved. The Federal Railroad Act (FRA) sets minimum requirements for public safety at railroad crossings. For example, the FRA requires that more than 50% of the lights on the light poles at a railroad crossing must be operational, otherwise the railroad crossing will not comply with the FRA requirements and the railroad organization may be subject to any applicable fines. There are multiple ways to manage lights along railroad crossings. For example, one current method is to use incandescent lamps to illuminate the crossing. While incandescent lamps allow technicians to remotely monitor the status of the lights, incandescent lamps are inefficient and consume a lot of electricity. Alternatively, another current method is to use LEDs. LEDs are more energy-efficient, but the limiting effect of marginal power consumption hinders the ability of technicians to identify when LED light strips are not operational.

For incandescent lamps, traditional incandescent intersection flashers use a burnout detection device (LOD) equipped with an ampere clamp to effectively measure the current draw at startup. Currently available LOD equipment is ineffective for LED lamps because the current draw required to illuminate an LED node is much lower than the current draw required to illuminate an incandescent lamp. Various attempts have been made to retrofit LOD equipment with LED flashers, but the results have been less than ideal.

Incandescent lamps can enhance monitoring of railroad crossing operations when paired with LOD equipment, while LED lights can provide greater visibility for drivers and pedestrians approaching highway-railroad crossings, making them ideal for railroad crossings. In addition, LED lights do not require the use of filaments to operate, which can effectively extend the service life compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. LED lights are a long-term solution that can provide excellent lumen output at a wider focus. Unfortunately, accurate and reliable light-out detection of LED devices has not yet been achieved.

Summary of the invention

The present disclosure achieves technical advantages as a smart light system and method for monitoring LED status. The system can provide LED status monitoring using a logic controller that communicates with at least one LED light strip. The system can use the logic controller to assign a unique identifier (ID) to at least one LED light strip based on the physical position of multiple dual in-line package (DIP) switches contained in the smart light housing. The system can provide a hardware architecture to connect the logic controller with a transceiver. The transceiver can provide reception and transmission of data signals. In one embodiment, the transceiver can be a power line communication (PLC) transceiver. In another embodiment, the same wire used to power the smart light is used to communicate the state of the LED between the logic controller and the PLC transceiver. The system can establish a communication protocol between the PLC transceiver and the PLC receiver to effectively communicate the state of the LED. For example, in response to a trigger event, the PLC transceiver can activate the logic controller to power the LED light strip. The logic controller can generate a payload including a unique ID of the smart light and a binary representation of the LED state, and transmit the payload to the PLC transceiver. The PLC transceiver may generate message frames corresponding to the communication protocol including the payload, wherein timing of the message frames may be based on delays corresponding to the positions of the DIP switches.

The present disclosure may enable the rail industry to effectively monitor the status of LED flashers without making expensive infrastructure changes as it will eliminate the need to run individual conductors from the bungalow to each cross mast. By monitoring the status of each flasher, maintenance personnel can be proactively deployed to correct any deficiencies reported by the CFMW rather than discovering the problem during a scheduled maintenance period, thereby achieving greater visibility and reducing cross activation failures and partial activations. The system may include a monitoring component that is capable of identifying whether each flasher is flashing as expected, a communication component that reports the status via power communications, and a processing component that evaluates the status of the cross flashers and generates alerts as needed. The system will identify certain flasher failures before multiple failures combine to cause an activation failure, thereby helping to reduce the occurrence of cross activation failures.

The present disclosure may maintain the same operating value requirements as currently available options (e.g., 9-16VDC/VAC), which should standardize internal components to capture and report various states consistently. The present disclosure may include a microprocessor-based controller (processor) mounted within or external to an LED flash housing. For example, within a compact, rugged housing (e.g., IP68 rated) that can be connected to two (2) non-polarity sensitive power lines, small enough to fit in a cross-flash housing behind the system. In one embodiment, the microprocessor-based device may be operably coupled with a plurality of dual in-line package (DIP) switches and a microcontroller having various functions. In another embodiment, there are at least seven (7) DIP switches. The microcontroller may monitor voltage, current, and DIP switch arrangements so that reporting delays may be established and pass at least the following information to a PLC device mounted within a cross-control room ("CCH" - hereinafter referred to as the bungalow): DIP switch configuration and state of 0, 1, 2, or 3. These states may represent:

0-Both sets of LEDs are inoperable (bad state);

1-LED group A cannot work, LED group B can work (allowed state);

2-LED group A can work, LED group B cannot work (allowed state);

3-The equipment is fully functional (ideal state).

Therefore, the present disclosure discloses concepts that are inseparable from computer technology, so that the present disclosure provides the following technical advantages: using a logic controller to implement power line communication to monitor the status of an LED, thereby generating a payload that complies with a communication protocol. The firmware of the logic controller may include a custom-designed firmware application to instantiate the logic controller, control the LED, and effectively time the communication between the various hardware components.

The present disclosure provides at least one method using power line communication to detect the function of LEDs that are invisible in traditional methods, thereby providing a technical solution that is missing in traditional systems. The present disclosure converts the physical state of the LED into a logical value based on a state machine corresponding to the state of the LED programmed in a logic controller. The present disclosure goes beyond traditional methods by providing the ability to monitor previously undetectable LED states and by providing power consumption efficiencies suitable for modern lighting solutions. The present disclosure avoids adding pressure to an already over-expended system by providing at least the following functions:

Use a combination of power line communications and electrical hardware to monitor the various states of the LEDs.

Provide communication protocol to monitor the status of LED.

Generate an alarm in response to an LED status indicating that the LED is inoperable.

An object of the present invention is to provide an intelligent light system configured to monitor LED status. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for monitoring LED status. Another object of the present invention is to provide a computer-implemented method for monitoring LED status. These and other objects are provided by at least one of the following embodiments.

In one embodiment, a smart light system configured to monitor the state of a light emitting diode (LED) may include: a power line communication (PLC) receiver for receiving a data communication signal via power line communication using a common voltage feeder; and at least one smart light for controlling and monitoring the state of at least one LED light strip, including: a plurality of dual in-line package (DIP) switches for representing an identifier of at least one LED light strip; a power line transceiver configured to transmit the state and DIP switch position of at least one LED light strip to the PLC receiver via power line communication using a common voltage feeder; a memory for storing DIP switch position, state, and configuration enable information; and a processor coupled to the plurality of DIP switches, the power line transceiver, at least one LED light strip, and the memory, configured to monitor the state of at least one LED light strip by performing the following steps: monitoring voltage, current, and DIP switch position; and transmitting a communication payload to the power line transceiver. Wherein the PLC receiver includes at least one bipolar terminal. Wherein the processor is further configured to perform the step of generating a communication payload based on the state and the DIP switch position. Wherein, the DIP switch position corresponds to a unique identifier (ID) of one of the at least one smart light, a left or right position of the at least one smart light, and establishes a time delay for message transmission. Wherein, the plurality of DIP switches includes at least seven DIP switches. Wherein, the states include: all LED light strips are not activatable, the first LED light strip is activatable and the second LED light strip is not activatable, the first LED light strip is not activatable and the second LED light strip is activatable, the first LED light strip is activatable and the second LED light strip is activatable. Wherein, the processor is further configured to perform a step of assigning a smart light configuration based on the DIP switch position. Wherein, the processor is further configured to perform a step of identifying a state of at least one LED light strip. Wherein, the processor is further configured to perform a step of detecting an activation failure.

In another embodiment, a method for monitoring the state of a light emitting diode (LED) may include: representing an identifier of at least one LED light strip; transmitting the state of at least one LED light strip and the DIP switch positions of a plurality of dual in-line package (DIP) switches to a power line communication (PLC) receiver via power line communication using a voltage feeder that powers a smart light; monitoring voltage, current, and DIP switch positions; and transmitting a communication payload to the PLC receiver. Wherein, the PLC receiver includes at least one bipolar terminal. Wherein, the method further includes generating a communication payload based on the state and the DIP switch position. Wherein, the position of the DIP switch corresponds to a unique identifier (ID) of the smart light, a left or right position of the smart light, and establishing a time delay for message transmission. Wherein, the plurality of DIP switches includes at least seven DIP switches. Wherein, the state includes: all LED light strips are not activatable, the first LED light strip is activatable and the second LED light strip is not activatable, the first LED light strip is not activatable and the second LED light strip is activatable, and the first LED light strip is activatable and the second LED light strip is activatable. Wherein, the method further includes assigning a smart light configuration based on the DIP switch position. Wherein, the method further includes identifying the state of at least one LED light strip. The method further includes detecting an activation failure.

In another embodiment, a computer-implemented method for monitoring a state of a light emitting diode (LED) may include: representing an identifier of at least one LED light strip; transmitting the state of at least one LED light strip and the DIP switch positions of a plurality of dual in-line package (DIP) switches to a power line communication (PLC) receiver via power line communication using a voltage feeder that powers a smart light; monitoring voltage, current, and DIP switch positions; and transmitting a communication payload to the PLC receiver. Wherein, the PLC receiver includes at least one bipolar terminal. Wherein, the computer implementation also includes generating a communication payload based on the state and the DIP switch position. Wherein, the position of the DIP switch corresponds to a unique identifier (ID) of the smart light, a left or right position of the smart light, and establishing a time delay for message transmission. Wherein, the plurality of DIP switches includes at least seven DIP switches. Wherein, the states include: all LED light strips are not activatable, the first LED light strip is activatable and the second LED light strip is not activatable, the first LED light strip is not activatable and the second LED light strip is activatable, and the first LED light strip is activatable and the second LED light strip is activatable. Wherein, the computer implementation also includes assigning a smart light configuration based on the DIP switch position. The computer implementation further includes identifying a state of at least one LED light strip. The computer implementation further includes detecting an activation failure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be easily understood by the following detailed description in combination with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the principles of the present disclosure by way of example. The accompanying drawings show the design and practicality of one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the same elements are represented by the same reference numerals or symbols. The objects and elements in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn in proportion, ratio or exact positional relationship. Instead, the focus is on illustrating the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 shows a smart lighting communication system 100 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG2 shows a block diagram of a smart lighting system according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG3 shows a schematic diagram of a smart lighting system according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows a flow chart of a smart lamp control logic according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Detailed description

The disclosure set forth in the following description and the individual features and advantages details therein will be explained more fully by reference to the non-limiting examples contained in the accompanying drawings and the subsequent detailed description. In order not to unnecessarily obscure the main features described herein, the description of well-known components has been omitted. The following examples are intended to facilitate understanding of the implementation and practice of the present disclosure. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure means that any suitable combination of the following functions or exemplary embodiments can be combined to achieve the claimed subject matter. The disclosure includes the number of representative species within the genus, or the structural features common to the members of the genus, so that those of ordinary skill in the art can see or identify the members of the genus. Therefore, these examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

FIG1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a smart light communication system 100. The system 100 may include a first light assembly 102, a first processor 104, a first LED light strip 106, a first plurality of LEDs 108a-108f, a second LED light strip 110, a second plurality of LEDs 112a-112f, a first PLC transceiver 114, a first DIP switch 116, a second light assembly 118, a second processor 120, a third LED light strip 122, a third plurality of LEDs 124a-124f, a fourth LED light strip 126, a fourth plurality of LEDs 128a-128f, a second PLC transceiver 130, a second DIP switch 132, a signal bungalow 134 including a surge panel 136, terminals 138a-138c, a PLC receiver 140, and mast inputs 142a-142b.

In one embodiment, the first light assembly 102 may include a reflective covering to illuminate the surrounding environment. For example, the first light assembly 102 may include a reflective material sufficient to identify the system 100 to oncoming travelers.

In one embodiment, the first processor 104 may include any device that performs logic processing. For example, the first processor 104 may include a programmable microprocessor to include a software program to connect and control the various components of the system 100. In one example, the microprocessor may include a RASPBERRY PI, ARDUINO, or other type of microprocessor. In another example, the first processor 104 may be coupled to the first LED light strip 106, the second LED light strip 110, the first PLC transceiver 114, and the first DIP switch 116. In one example, the components of the system 100 may be independent of each other. For example, the first processor 104 may be placed in a reinforced housing unit independent of the first LED light strip 106 and the second LED light strip 110.

In another example, the first processor 104 may receive a status of the first LED light strip 106 and the second LED light strip 110. For example, the status may indicate whether the first LED light strip 106 and the second LED light strip 110 are operating normally. In one example, the status may indicate whether the first LED light strip 106 or the second LED light strip 110 is inoperable. In one example, the status may indicate whether the first LED light strip 106 and the second LED light strip 110 are inoperable. The first processor 104 may generate a communication payload based on the status of the first LED light strip 106 and the second LED light strip 110. For example, the first processor 104 may include a state machine to convert the status to a binary representation. In one example, the binary representation may be as follows.

state Binary significance 0 00 All LED strips are not available 1 01 The first LED string 106 is not working, and the second LED string 110 is working 2 10 The first LED string 106 is operable, and the second LED string 110 is inoperable 3 11 The first LED string 106 can be operated, and the second LED string 110 can be operated

In another example, the first processor 104 can generate a communication payload corresponding to the state. For example, the first processor 104 can perform various protocol actions across a time window. Protocol operations can include wakeup, delay, transmission, and silence. The wakeup operation can include the system 100 receiving power, performing a self-diagnostic check, and preparing the system 100 for transmission over the power line. The delay can include activating a communication timing delay based on the position of the first DIP switch 116 and a standby transmission message. The transmission can include the end of the delay, and the system 100 transmits the ID and the state. The silence can include standby so that the power is turned off at the end of the time window. The time window can include a duration of 1 second.

In one embodiment, the first LED light strip 106 may include a housing for the first plurality of LEDs 108a-108f. For example, the first LED light strip 106 may include an independent structure for each of the first plurality of LEDs 108a-108f. In one example, the first LED light strip 106 may include electrical hardware (not shown) to power the first LED light strip 106. For example, the first LED light strip 106 may receive alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) between 9 and 16 volts (V). In another example, the LED light strip 106 may include non-polarity sensitive hardware. In another example, the first LED light strip 106 may transmit a state corresponding to the first plurality of LEDs 108a-108f to the first processor 104. For example, the state may include that the first LED light strip 106 is operable or inoperable. When at least one of the first plurality of LEDs 108a-108f is functioning properly, the first LED light strip 106 may indicate that the first plurality of LEDs 108a-108f is operable. When none of the first plurality of LEDs 108a - 108f is functioning properly, the first LED light strip 106 may indicate that the first plurality of LEDs 108a - 108f is not functioning properly.

In one embodiment, the first plurality of LEDs 108a-108f may include LEDs of various colors and manufacturing capabilities. For example, the first plurality of LEDs 108a-108f may include at least one LED. In one example, the first plurality of LEDs 108a-108f may be coupled in series, respectively. In another example, the first plurality of LEDs 108a-108f may be coupled in parallel, respectively.

In one embodiment, the second LED light strip 110 can include a housing for the second plurality of LEDs 112a-112f. For example, the second LED light strip 110 can include a separate structure for each of the second plurality of LEDs 112a-112f. In one example, the second LED light strip 110 can include electrical hardware (not shown) to power the second LED light strip 110.

In one embodiment, the second plurality of LEDs 112a-112f may include LEDs of various colors and manufacturing capabilities. For example, the second plurality of LEDs 112a-112f may include at least one LED. In one example, the second plurality of LEDs 112a-112f may each be coupled in series. In another example, the second plurality of LEDs 112a-112f may each be coupled in parallel.

In one embodiment, the first PLC transceiver 114 can transmit data on a wire that is also used for power transmission. For example, the first PLC transceiver 114 can utilize the voltage feeder that powers the smart light to transmit the state of the first LED light strip 106 and the second LED light strip 110 and the position of the first DIP switch 116 through power line communication. The voltage feeder may include AC power transmission. In one example, the voltage feeder may include DC power transmission, and the first PLC transceiver 114 may include converter hardware to convert DC power for data communication (i.e., modulate the DC power corresponding to the bit of data communication). In another example, the first PLC transceiver 114 can operate by adding a modulated carrier signal to the power line. For example, the power line that transmits power to the system 100 may include a modulated carrier signal of a specific frequency. The specific frequency may include narrowband, low-speed narrowband, and medium-speed narrowband. In one example, the narrowband may include a data rate of 20 bits per second (bit/s). For example, the narrowband may include an industry standard protocol such as X10, a consumer electronics bus (CEBus), a local operating network (LonWorks), a custom protocol, or another related industry standard protocol. Low-speed narrowband can include a data rate of 200 to 1200 bits/second. For example, low-speed narrowband can include industry standard protocols such as IEC 61334, Open Smart Grid Protocol (OSGP), ETSI103908, custom protocols or other related industry standard protocols. Medium-speed narrowband can include a data rate of up to 576 kilobits per second (kbit/s). For example, medium-speed narrowband can include industry standard protocols such as G3-PLC (ITU G.9903), custom protocols or another related industry standard protocol.

In one example, the first PLC transceiver 114 may include a wiring diagram coupled to the PLC receiver 134. The first PLC transceiver 114 may include a first connection and a second connection. For example, the first connection may be coupled to terminal 138a, and the second connection may be coupled to terminal 138b. Terminal 138b may change the polarity of the source over time. For example, during a first duration, the AC power source may transmit a positive current or voltage, and during a second duration, the AC power source may transmit a negative current or voltage. In another example, the first PLC transceiver 114 and the first processor 104 may be included on a single printed circuit board as a module or a stand-alone device.

In one embodiment, the first DIP switch 116 may include a manual electric switch that is packaged with other switches in a standard dual in-line package. In one example, the first DIP switch 116 may refer to each individual switch, or to the entire unit. In another example, the first DIP switch 116 may be used on a printed circuit board with other electronic components and may be used to customize the behavior of the electronic device for a particular situation.

In one embodiment, the first DIP switch 116 may include a manual electric switch that is packaged in a standard dual in-line package with other switches. In one example, the first DIP switch 116 may be used on a printed circuit board with other electronic components and may be used to customize the behavior of an electronic device for a particular situation. In one example, the first DIP switch 116 may represent an identifier of the first LED light strip 106 and the second LED light strip 110. In one example, the first DIP switch 116 may correspond to various positions. For example, the switch position may correspond to a unique ID corresponding to the first lamp assembly 102. As shown in FIG. 2, the position of the switch is represented based on the position of the white box of each DIP switch 116 (up or down). In another example, the first switch in the first DIP switch 116 may correspond to the physical position of the first lamp assembly 102. For example, the first lamp assembly 102 may be located on the right or left relative to a reference point. In one example, the first lamp assembly 102 on the left side of the reference point may include a first switch in an upward position ("1"), indicating a left lamp. The remaining switches may be used for unique IDs and time delay values for timing of communications. In one example, the first DIP switch 116 may include at least seven DIP switches.

In one embodiment, the second light assembly 118 may include a reflective covering to illuminate the surrounding environment. For example, the second light assembly 118 may include sufficient reflective material to allow a passing pedestrian to recognize the system 100.

In one embodiment, the second processor 120 may include any device that performs logic processing. For example, the second processor 120 may include a programmable microprocessor to include a software program to connect and control the various components of the system 100. In one example, the microprocessor may include a RASPBERRY PI, ARDUINO, or other type of microprocessor. In another example, the second processor 120 may be coupled to the third LED light strip 122, the fourth LED light strip 126, the second PLC transceiver 130, and the plurality of second DIP switches 132. In one example, the components of the system 100 may be independent of each other. For example, the second processor 120 may be placed in a reinforced housing unit independent of the third LED light strip 122 and the fourth LED light strip 126.

In another example, the second processor 120 may receive the status of the third LED light strip 122 and the fourth LED light strip 126. For example, the status may indicate whether the third LED light strip 122 and the fourth LED light strip 126 are operating normally. In one example, the status may indicate whether the third LED light strip 122 or the fourth LED light strip 126 is inoperable. In one example, the status may indicate whether the third LED light strip 122 and the fourth LED light strip 126 are inoperable. The second processor 120 may generate a communication payload based on the status of the third LED light strip 122 and the fourth LED light strip 126. For example, the second processor 120 may include a state machine to convert the status into a binary representation. In one example, the binary representation may be as follows.

state Binary significance 0 00 Both LED strips are not working 1 01 The first LED string 106 is not working, and the second LED string 110 is working 2 10 The first LED string 106 is operable, and the second LED string 110 is inoperable 3 11 The first LED string 106 can be operated, and the second LED string 110 can be operated

In another example, the second processor 120 can generate a communication payload corresponding to the state. For example, the second processor 120 can perform various protocol actions across the time window. Protocol operations can include wake-up, delay, transmission, and silence. The wake-up action can include the system 100 receiving power, performing self-diagnostic checks, and preparing the system 100 for transmission over the power line. The delay can include activating a communication timing delay based on the position of the second DIP switch 132 and a standby transmission message. The transmission can include the end of the delay and the system 100 transmission ID and status. Silence can include standby so that the power is turned off at the end of the time window. The time window can include a duration of 1 second.

In one embodiment, the third LED strip 122 may include a housing for the third plurality of LEDs 124a-124f. For example, the third LED strip 122 may include an independent structure for each of the third plurality of LEDs 124a-124f. In one example, the third LED strip 122 may include electrical hardware (not shown) to power the third LED strip 122. For example, the third LED strip 122 may receive alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) between 9 and 16 volts (V). In another example, the LED strip 106 may include non-polarity sensitive hardware. In another example, the third LED strip 122 may transmit a state corresponding to the third plurality of LEDs 124a-124f to the second processor 120. For example, the state may include that the third LED strip 122 is operable or inoperable. When at least one of the third plurality of LEDs 124a-124f is operating normally, the third LED strip 122 may indicate that the third plurality of LEDs 124a-124f is operable. When the third plurality of LEDs 124a - 124f do not work properly, the third LED light strip 122 may indicate that the third plurality of LEDs 124a - 124f are not working properly.

In one embodiment, the third plurality of LEDs 124a-124f may include LEDs of various colors and manufacturing capabilities. For example, the third plurality of LEDs 124a-124f may include at least one LED. In one example, the third plurality of LEDs 124a-124f may each be coupled in series. In another example, the third plurality of LEDs 124a-124f may each be coupled in parallel.

In one embodiment, the fourth LED light strip 126 can include a housing for the fourth group of LEDs 128a-128f. For example, the fourth LED light strip 126 can include a separate structure for each of the fourth plurality of LEDs 128a-128f. In one example, the fourth LED light strip 126 can include electrical hardware (not shown) to power the fourth LED light strip 126.

In one embodiment, the fourth plurality of LEDs 128a-128f may include LEDs of various colors and manufacturing capabilities. For example, the fourth plurality of LEDs 128a-128f may include at least one LED. In one example, the fourth plurality of LEDs 128a-128f may be coupled in series, respectively. In another example, the fourth plurality of LEDs 128a-128f may be coupled in parallel, respectively.

In one embodiment, the second PLC transceiver 130 can transmit data on a wire that is also used for power transmission. For example, the second PLC transceiver 130 can utilize the voltage feeder that powers the smart light to transmit the state of the third LED light strip 122 and the fourth LED light strip 126 and the position of the second DIP switch 132 through power line communication. The voltage feeder can include AC power transmission. In one example, the voltage feeder can include DC power transmission, and the second PLC transceiver 130 can include converter hardware to convert DC power for data communication (i.e., modulate the DC power corresponding to the bit of data communication). In another example, the second PLC transceiver 130 can operate by adding a modulated carrier signal to the power line. For example, the power line that transmits power to the system 100 can include a modulated carrier signal of a specific frequency. The specific frequency can include narrowband, low-speed narrowband, and medium-speed narrowband. In one example, the narrowband can include a data rate of 20 bits per second (bit/s). For example, narrowband can include industry standard protocols, such as X10, consumer electronics bus (CEBus), local operating network (LonWorks), custom protocols, or another related industry standard protocol. Low-speed narrowband can include a data rate of 200 to 1200 bits/second. For example, low-speed narrowband can include industry standard protocols, such as IEC 61334, open smart grid protocol (OSGP), ETSI103908, custom protocols, or other related industry standard protocols. Medium-speed narrowband can include a data rate of up to 576 kilobits per second (kbit/s). For example, medium-speed narrowband can include industry standard protocols, such as G3-PLC (ITU G.9903), custom protocols, or another related industry standard protocol.

In one example, the second PLC transceiver 130 may include a wiring diagram coupled to the PLC receiver 134. The second PLC transceiver 130 may include a third connection and a fourth connection. For example, the third connection may be coupled to terminal 138b, and the fourth connection may be coupled to terminal 138c. Terminal 138b may change the polarity of the source over time. For example, during a first duration, the AC power source may transmit a positive current or voltage, and during a second duration, the AC power source may transmit a negative current or voltage. In another example, the second PLC transceiver 130 and the second processor 120 may be included on a single printed circuit board as a module or a stand-alone device.

In one embodiment, the second DIP switch 132 may include a manual electric switch that is packaged in a standard dual in-line package with other switches. In one example, the second DIP switch 132 may be used on a printed circuit board with other electronic components and may be used to customize the behavior of the electronic device for a specific situation. In one example, the second DIP switch 132 may represent an identifier of the third LED light strip 122 and the fourth LED light strip 126. In one example, the second DIP switch 132 may correspond to various positions. For example, the switch position may correspond to a unique ID corresponding to the second lamp assembly 118. As shown in the figure. 2. The position of the second DIP switch 132 is represented by the position of the white box of each switch, either up or down. In one example, the first switch of the second DIP switch 132 may correspond to the physical position of the second lamp assembly 118. For example, the second lamp assembly 118 may be located on the right or left relative to the reference point. In one example, the second lamp assembly 118 to the right of the reference point may include a first switch in the down position ("0"), indicating a right lamp. The remaining switches may be used for unique IDs and time delay values for timing of communication. In one example, the second DIP switch 132 may include at least seven DIP switches.

In one embodiment, the signal bungalow 134 can provide a housing for the surge panel 136, the terminals 138a-138c, the PLC receiver 140, and the mast inputs 142a-142b. For example, the housing can be reinforced to protect the internal components from any environmental features and hazards. In one example, the signal bungalow 134 can correspond to a crossing control room for a railway crossing application.

In one embodiment, the surge panel 136 can prevent electrical surges. For example, a surge can include an electrical signal greater than a predetermined voltage or current threshold. The surge panel 136 can ensure that any subsequent components are protected from short circuits due to spikes in electrical activity. For example, the surge panel 136 can reduce the power surge to a manageable power level corresponding to an appropriate power distribution level for subsequent electrical components. In one example, the surge panel 136 can include terminals 138a-138c.

In one embodiment, terminals 138a-138c may include connectors for coupling electrical hardware. For example, terminals 138a-138c may couple the first PLC transceiver 114 and the second PLC transceiver 130 to the PLC receiver 140. Terminals 138a-138c may include various types, including wire connectors, docking connectors, push-in terminals, ring terminals, spade terminals, hook terminals, bullet connectors, pin terminals, sealed connectors, fasteners, or terminals of another type associated with an application. Terminals 138a-138c may transmit current from a power source or ground source for application. In one example, terminals 138a-138c may include wire terminals, thereby establishing a safe electrical connection. In another example, terminals 138a-138c may be insulated or non-insulated.

In one embodiment, the PLC receiver 140 can receive data on a wire that is also used for power transmission. For example, power transmission can include alternating current. In one example, power transmission can include direct current, and the PLC receiver 140 can include a power converter to convert direct current into alternating current for data communication. In another example, the PLC receiver 140 can operate by adding a modulated carrier signal to the power line. For example, the power line between the components of the system 100 can include a modulated carrier signal of a specific frequency. The specific frequency can include narrowband, low-speed narrowband, and medium-speed narrowband. In one example, the narrowband can include a data rate of 20 bits per second (bit/s). For example, the narrowband can include an industry standard protocol such as X10, a consumer electronics bus (CEBus), a local operating network (LonWorks), a custom protocol, or another related industry standard protocol. The low-speed narrowband can include a data rate of 200 to 1200 bits/second. For example, the low-speed narrowband can include an industry standard protocol such as IEC 61334, an open smart grid protocol (OSGP), ETSI 103908, a custom protocol, or other related industry standard protocols. The medium-speed narrowband may include data rates up to 576 kilobits per second (kbit/s).For example, the medium-speed narrowband may include an industry standard protocol such as G3-PLC (ITU G.9903), a custom protocol, or another related industry standard protocol.

For another example, the PLC receiver 140 may receive position information from the first PLC transceiver 114 and the second PLC transceiver 130, ID information corresponding to the first DIP switch 116 and the second DIP switch 132, and the states of the first LED light strip 106, the second LED light strip 110, the third LED light strip 122, and the fourth LED light strip 126. The position information may correspond to the relative positions of the first lamp assembly 102 and the second lamp assembly 118. For example, when the first lamp assembly 102 is located to the left of the second lamp assembly 118, the position information indicates the positions of the respective components. In one example, the PLC receiver 140 may receive electrical signals from the terminals 138a-138c. The PLC receiver 140 may include at least one bipolar terminal. For example, the terminals 138a-138c may provide power to the first PLC transceiver 114 and the second PLC transceiver 130. In one example, the terminals 138a-138c may correspond to the LXE circuit, the LNE circuit, and the LE circuit to provide power. LXE can act as a dedicated positive. LNE can be a dedicated negative. LE can include bipolarity, providing a polarity-switching conductor for providing positive energy to one component and acting as negative energy to another component. In this way, the LE circuit changes polarity and the PLC receiver 140 can include terminal connections that are not polarity sensitive.

In another example, the PLC receiver 140 can correspond to a web-based graphical user interface (web GUI) that allows technicians to configure and customize the system 100 to match the application. For example, the system 100 is exemplary and can be inferred to any number of PLC transceivers and LED light strips. For example, the system 100 can illuminate a railway crossing with two smart lights (e.g., system 100), and the Web GUI can assign the unique ID of the DIP switch to the PLC receiver 140 so that the PLC receiver 140 can communicate with the PLC transceiver. In one example, the Web GUI can include configurable labels (i.e., left/right) and non-configurable, selectable fixed objects (i.e., front/back). In one example, if an object is selected, a label should be attached. In one example, the PLC receiver 140 can include mast inputs 142a-142b. In one embodiment, the mast inputs 142a-142b can connect the terminals 138a-138c to the PLC receiver 140.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a smart lamp system 200 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The system 200 may include a smart lamp 202 having one or more processors 204, a memory 230, machine-readable instructions 206, including an LED input module 208, an LED identification module 210, an LED state module 212, an LED reset module 214, a switch identification module 216, a switch update module 218, a switch reset module 220, a PLC state module 222, a characteristic monitoring module 224, a communication module 226, and other related modules. The smart lamp 202 may be operably coupled to a PLC transceiver 240 and at least one LED light strip 260. The PLC transceiver 240 may include a network infrastructure component, such as a server, a modem, a router, or other types of hardware or software for transmitting data to a PLC receiver 270. In another example, the PLC transceiver 240 may include an application configured to communicate with the smart lamp 202 via a wired or wireless communication method. The PLC receiver 270 may include network infrastructure components such as a server, modem, router, or other types of hardware or software for communicating data to the network 250. In another example, the PLC receiver 270 may include an application configured to communicate with the PLC transceiver 240 via a wired or wireless communication method. The LED light strip 260 may include a housing for a plurality of LEDs.

The aforementioned system components (e.g., smart light 202 and PLC transceiver 240) can be communicatively coupled to other smart light systems via network 250 so that data can be transmitted. Network 250 can be the Internet, an intranet, a Modbus communication network, or other suitable network. Data transmission can be encrypted, unencrypted, through a VPN tunnel, or other suitable communication methods. Network 250 can be a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a personal area network (PAN), or other suitable network types. Network communications between PLC transceiver 240, smart light fixture 202, or any other system component can be encrypted using PGP, Blowfish, Twofish, AES, 3DES, HTTPS, or other suitable encryption methods. System 200 can be configured to provide communication through various systems, components, and modules disclosed herein, through a web graphical user interface (web GUI), an application programming interface (API), Modbus, PCI, PCI-Express, ANSI-X12, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other suitable communication protocols or media. In addition, third-party systems and databases can be operatively connected to system components via network 250.

Data transmitted to and from components of the system 200 (e.g., smart lights 202 and PLC transceivers 240) may include any format, including JavaScript Object Notation (JSON), TCP/IP, XML, HTML, ASCII, SMS, CSV, Representational State Transfer (REST), Remote Terminal Unit (RTU), or other suitable formats. Data transmissions may include variations of the aforementioned formats, particularly formats for the Modbus protocol. Data transmissions may include messages, flags, headers, header attributes, metadata, and/or bodies, or be encapsulated and packaged by any suitable format having the same.

The smart light 202 may be implemented in hardware, software, or a suitable combination of hardware and software, and may include one or more software systems running on one or more smart lights 202, with one or more processors 204, and access to memory 230. The smart light 202 may include electronic memory, one or more processors, and/or other components. The smart light 202 may include communication lines, power lines, connections, and/or ports to exchange information through a network (e.g., network 250) and/or other computing platforms. The smart light 202 may also include multiple hardware, software, and/or firmware components that operate together to provide the functionality attributed to the smart light 202 herein. For example, the smart light 202 may be implemented in a virtual environment by a computing platform cloud running as the smart light 202, including software as a service (SaaS), infrastructure as a service (IaaS), and platform as a service (PaaS) functionality. In addition, the smart light 202 may include memory 230.

The memory 230 may include electronic storage, which may include non-volatile storage media for electronically storing information. The electronic storage media of the electronic storage may include one or both portions of system storage, which may be provided integrally (e.g., substantially non-removably) with the smart light fixture 202, and/or removable storage, which may be removably connected to the smart light fixture 202 via a port (e.g., a USB port, a FireWire port, etc.) or a drive (e.g., a disk drive, etc.). The electronic storage may include one or more optically readable storage media (e.g., optical disks, etc.), magnetically readable storage media (e.g., magnetic tapes, magnetic hard disks, floppy disk drives, etc.), charge-based storage media (e.g., EEPROM, RAM, etc.), solid-state storage media (e.g., flash drives, etc.), and/or other electronically readable storage media. The electronic storage may include one or more virtual storage resources (e.g., cloud storage, virtual private networks, and/or other virtual storage resources). The electronic storage may include a database, or a public or private distributed ledger (e.g., a blockchain). The electronic storage may store machine-readable instructions 206, software algorithms, control logic, data generated by a processor, data received from a server, data received from a computing platform, and/or other data that may enable a server to operate as described herein. The electronic storage may also include third-party databases accessible via the network 250.

The processor 204 can be configured to provide data processing capabilities in the smart light 202. Therefore, the processor 204 can include one or more digital processors, analog processors, digital circuits designed to process information, analog circuits designed to process information, state machines, and/or other mechanisms for electronically processing information, such as FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays) or ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits). The processor 204 can be a single entity, or include multiple processing units. These processing units can be physically located in the same device, or the processor 204 can represent processing functions of multiple devices, or software functions that operate independently or in conjunction.

The processor 204 may be configured to execute the machine-readable instructions 206 or the machine learning module through software, hardware, firmware, some combination of software, hardware, and/or firmware, and/or other mechanisms for configuring processing capabilities on the processor 204. The term "machine-readable instructions" as used herein may refer to any component or set of components that perform the functionality attributed to the machine-readable instruction component 206. This may include one or more physical processors 204, processor-readable instructions, circuits, hardware, storage media, or any other component during the execution of processor-readable instructions.

The smart light 202 can be configured with machine-readable instructions 206 having one or more functional modules and a computer-implemented method for operating the smart light. The machine-readable instructions 206 can be implemented on one or more smart lights 202, which have one or more processors 204 and can access the memory 230. The machine-readable instructions 206 can be a single network node, or a machine cluster, which can include a distributed architecture of multiple network nodes. The machine-readable instructions 206 may include control logic for implementing various functions, as described in more detail below. The machine-readable instructions 206 may include certain functions related to the system 200. In addition, the machine-readable instructions 206 may include a smart contract or a multi-signature contract that can process, read and write data to a database, a distributed ledger or a blockchain.

FIG3 illustrates a schematic diagram of a smart lamp system 300 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The system 300 may include an LED system 302, a DIP switch system 304, and a PLC interface system 306. Although certain exemplary embodiments may be targeted at a specific hardware architecture, the system 300 may be inferred to control multiple smart lamps in various configurations. In one embodiment, the LED system 302 may include an LED input module 208, an LED identification module 210, and an LED status module 212. The LED input module 208, the LED identification module 210, and the LED status module 212 may implement one or more algorithms to identify and monitor the status of the LED. The algorithm may be programmed to adapt the LED configuration for a specific application, such as monitoring the LED status of a railway crossing.

In one embodiment, the LED input module 208 can connect the processor to the LED strip. For example, the processor 204 and the LED strip 260 in the figure. 5. In one example, the LED input module 208 can receive an electrical signal corresponding to the LED strip of the smart light. In one example, the LED can correspond to a collective electrical signal transmitted to the processor at a specific voltage. The specific voltage can correspond to the LED manufacturer. For example, the first manufacturer can provide a threshold voltage lower than the LEI of the second manufacturer).

In one embodiment, the LED identification module 210 can identify a specific LED light strip of the smart light. For example, the LED identification module 210 can identify the LED light strip according to the LEDID corresponding to each LED light strip. In one example, the LED identification module 210 can include LED information corresponding to the LEDs present in the smart light. The LED identification module 210 can compare the input signal from the LED with the LED information to identify the LED light strip.

In one embodiment, the LED state module 212 can identify the state of the LED light strip. For example, the LED state module 212 can identify which LED light strip can be operated. For example, the LED state module 212 can receive input indicating the ID and state of the LED from each LED light strip. In one example, the LED state module 212 can identify whether the LED light strip is in an inoperable state based on the input from the LED light strip. Alternatively, the LED state module 212 can determine whether the LED light strip is in an operable state. For example, the LED light strip can transmit input including a binary representation of the LED state. The LED state module 212 can receive input and classify the LED light strip according to the state of the LED light strip. In one example, the LED state module 212 can identify which specific LEDs in the LED light strip are inoperable.

In one embodiment, the LED reset module 214 can reset the LED light strip. For example, the LED reset module 214 can restart the LED light strip by sending a reset instruction to the LED light strip. In one example, the LED reset module 214 can transmit a communication payload including a binary symbol sequence indicating a reset state of the LED light strip. The LED reset module 214 can correspond to a physical button input from a technician. For example, if the LED light strip is inoperable or transmits an incorrect state to the LED system 302, the technician can physically press a button to reset the LED light strip.

In one embodiment, the DIP switch system 304 may include a switch identification module 216, a switch update module 218, and a switch reset module 220. The LED reset module 214, the switch identification module 216, and the switch update module 218 may implement one or more algorithms to determine the state of the plurality of DIP switches in response to communication information between the smart light system 300 and the PLC receiver. The algorithms and their associated thresholds and/or signatures may be programmable to uniquely fit a particular application of the plurality of smart lights. The DIP switch system 304 may be configured to transmit and receive messages from the PLC interface system 306 relating to DIP switch positions, updates, and states.

In one embodiment, the switch identification module 216 can identify the current state of the DIP switch. For example, the DIP switch can correspond to various states related to the position of the smart light system 300. In one example, the DIP switch can generate an electrical signal based on the mechanical position of the DIP switch related to the position of the smart light system 300. For example, when the smart light system 300 is located adjacent to another smart light system, the DIP switch can include a configuration representing the relative position of the DIP switch. In one example, the DIP switch can indicate whether the smart light system 300 is located to the left or right of a common reference position. The DIP switch can represent the position of the smart light system 300 by the position of one of the DIP switches. For example, when the smart light system 300 is located to the left of the common reference position, one of the DIP switches can be in an up state, represented as a binary "1" in the corresponding electrical signal.

In one embodiment, the switch update module 218 can identify when an update to the DIP switch arrangement occurs. For example, the DIP switch can be changed based on external input, such as a technician physically flipping the DIP switch. In this way, the switch update module 218 can identify when the DIP switch has changed by comparing the previous state of the DIP switch to the current state of the DIP switch. In one example, the previous state of the DIP switch can be contained in the local memory so that it can be stored indefinitely. For example, when the smart light system 300 is reset, the compatibility of the DIP switch with the previous state can be maintained. Alternatively, when the DIP switch changes, the previous state can be updated to the new configuration and the current state can be stored in the local memory.

In one embodiment, the switch reset module 220 can reset any stored DIP switch arrangements. For example, when the DIP switches change mechanical positions causing the electrical signal to include inconsistent values, the switch reset module 220 can clear any stored DIP switch arrangements so that there is no ambiguity. The switch reset module 220 can correspond to a physical button for resetting the values of the DIP switches. For example, the switch reset module 220 can correspond to the physical position of the DIP switches. In one example, the DIP switch reset module 220 can reset the stored DIP switch arrangements when all DIP switches are in the up ("1") position or the down ("0") position.

In one embodiment, the PLC interface system 306 may include a PLC status module 222, a characteristic monitoring module 224, and a communication module 226. The PLC status module 222, the characteristic monitoring module 224, and the communication module 226 may implement one or more algorithms to identify whether a PLC receiver is in an active state, monitor the characteristics of the smart light system 300 to determine whether to generate an alarm, and communicate with the PLC receiver. In one embodiment, the PLC interface system 306 may monitor when an LED is in an inoperable state and communicate the state and DIP switch position of the LED to the PLC receiver to determine whether action is required on the LED (i.e., repair or replace any LED or smart light).

In one embodiment, the PLC status module 222 can identify the state of the PLC receiver. For example, the PLC receiver can be disconnected from the smart light system 300, resulting in no power line communication being transmitted to the smart light system 300. In this way, the PLC status module 222 can identify that the PLC receiver is inoperable. In another example, the PLC status module 222 can identify when the PLC receiver is able to receive data transmissions. For example, when the intersection relay is in an active state, the PLC receiver can receive data transmissions. The PLC receiver can generate a notification to the PLC status module 222 to enable communication between the two components. The PLC status module 222 can receive the notification from the PLC receiver and start the data communication process.

In one embodiment, the characteristic monitoring module 224 can monitor various characteristics of the smart light system 300. For example, the characteristic monitoring module 224 can monitor the voltage, current, and DIP switch arrangement of the smart light system 300. In one example, the characteristic monitoring module 224 can identify the voltage value based on the power line transmission between the PLC interface system 306 and the PLC receiver. In one example, the characteristic monitoring module 224 can assign the smart light configuration according to the DIP switch arrangement. For example, the DIP switch arrangement can correspond to the physical position of the smart light system 300 relative to other smart lights. In one example, the DIP switch arrangement can include a DIP switch position indicating the position of the smart light relative to a reference point. For example, the DIP switch position can indicate that the smart light is located to the left of the reference point, or up or down according to the DIP switch position. The characteristic monitoring module 224 can identify the value of the current based on the power line transmission between the PLC interface system 306 and the PLC receiver. The characteristic monitoring module 224 can identify the position of the DIP switch based on the electrical signal sent by the DIP switch. The electrical signal can include a binary representation of the DIP switch position.

In another example, the characteristic monitoring module 224 can detect an activation failure. For example, the characteristic monitoring module 224 can identify a plurality of operable LED light strips. In one example, the characteristic monitoring can generate an activation failure alert when the number of operational LED light strips is below a threshold. The threshold can include a ratio of operable LED light strips to the total number of LED light strips. In one example, the threshold can include a ratio of 50% of the total number of LED light strips being in operation. The activation failure can correspond to legal compliance with public safety regulations. For example, the activation failure may correspond to a plurality of operational LED light strips at a railroad crossing.

In one embodiment, the communication module 226 can transmit data between the PLC interface system 306 and the PLC receiver. For example, the communication module 226 can generate a communication payload that organizes the DIP switch position and the LED light strip status in a binary format. The communication module 226 can transmit data in a time period corresponding to a specific application. For example, the communication module 226 can transmit data in a 1 second time window. In one example, the communication module 226 can transmit light information. The light fixture information can include the DIP switch position and status of the LED light strip.

FIG7 shows a flow chart of an example smart light control logic 400 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The smart light control logic 400 can be implemented as an algorithm on a computer processor (e.g., a life logic controller, a microprocessor, a RASPBERRYPI, an ARDUINO, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a server, etc.), a machine learning module, or other suitable systems. In addition, the smart light control logic 400 can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, WebGUI, API, network connection, network transmission protocol, Modbus communication protocol, HTML, DHTML, JavaScript, Dojo, Ruby, Rails, other suitable applications, or a suitable combination thereof. The smart light control logic 400 can connect electrical components to mechanical components using a logic processor for control.

In one embodiment, the smart light control logic 400 may include a plurality of DIP switches for representing an identifier of at least one LED light strip. The smart light control logic 400 may connect the DIP switches to a power line transceiver configured to transmit the state and DIP switch position of at least one LED light strip via power line communication using a voltage feeder that powers the smart light. The smart light control logic 400 may also include a memory for storing DIP switch positions, states, and configuration enablement information. In addition, the smart light control logic 400 may connect the memory to a processor that is configured to monitor the state of at least one LED light strip. The smart light control logic 400 implements a hardware component (e.g., a computer processor) capable of executing machine-readable instructions to perform program steps and operably coupled to the memory to store the DIP switch positions, states, and configuration enablement information.

The intelligent light control logic 400 can utilize the computer platform's ability to generate multiple processes and threads to process data simultaneously. By instantiating multiple processes for monitoring LED status, the speed and efficiency of the intelligent light control logic 400 can be greatly improved. However, those skilled in the art of programming will recognize that a single processing thread can also be used and this is within the scope of the present disclosure. The intelligent light control logic 400 can also be distributed among multiple networked computer processors. The intelligent light control logic 400 of this embodiment starts from step 402.

In step 402, in one embodiment, the control logic 400 may represent an identifier of at least one LED light strip. For example, the control logic 400 may receive an electrical signal corresponding to an LED light strip of a smart light. In one example, an LED may correspond to a collective electrical signal transmitted to a processor at a specific voltage. The specific voltage may correspond to an LED manufacturer. For example, a first manufacturer may provide an LED with a lower threshold voltage than a second manufacturer. For example, the control logic 400 may identify an LED light strip based on an LED ID corresponding to each LED light strip. In one example, the control logic 400 may include LED information corresponding to the LEDs present in the smart light. The control logic 400 may compare an input signal from the LED with the LED information to identify the LED light strip. The control logic 400 then proceeds to step 404.

In step 404, in one embodiment, the control logic 400 can monitor the voltage, current, and DIP switch arrangement. For example, the control logic 400 can monitor the voltage, current, and DIP switch arrangement of the smart light. In one example, the control logic 400 can identify the voltage value based on the power line transmission between the PLC receiver and the control logic 400. The control logic 400 can identify the current value based on the power line transmission between the control logic 400 and the PLC receiver. The control logic 400 can identify the position of the DIP switch based on the electrical signal from the DIP switch. The electrical signal can include a binary representation of the position of the DIP switch. Then the control logic 400 proceeds to step 406.

In step 406, in one embodiment, the control logic 400 may generate a communication payload based on the state and the DIP switch position. For example, the state may indicate whether the first LED light strip and the second LED light strip are operating normally. In one example, the state may indicate whether the first LED light strip or the second LED light strip is inoperable. In one example, the state may indicate whether the first LED light strip and the second LED light strip are inoperable. The control logic 400 may generate a communication payload based on the state of the first LED light strip and the second LED light strip. For example, the control logic 400 may include a state machine to convert the state to a binary representation. In one example, the binary representation may be as follows.

state Binary significance 0 00 All LED strips are not available 1 01 The first LED string does not work, the second LED string works 2 10 The first string of LED lights can work, but the second string of LED lights cannot work 3 11 The first LED string can work, the second LED string can work

In another example, control logic 400 can generate a communication payload corresponding to a state. For example, control logic 400 can perform various protocol actions across a time window. Protocol operations can include wake-up, delay, transmission, and silence. The wake-up action can include control logic 400 receiving power, performing self-diagnosis checks, and preparing control logic 400 to transmit through a power line. Delay can include activating communication timing delays and standby transmission messages according to the position of the DIP switch. Transmission can include the end of the delay and control logic 400 transmits a unique ID and state. Silence can include standby so that the power is turned off at the end of the time window. The time window can include a duration of 1 second. Then control logic 400 proceeds to step 408.

In step 408 , in one embodiment, the control logic 400 may transmit the communication payload to the power line transceiver. For example, the communication payload may include the unique ID, DIP switch position and status of the LED light strip. The control logic 400 then proceeds to step 410 .

In step 410, in one embodiment, the control logic 400 may transmit the state and DIP switch position of at least one LED light strip through power line communication using a voltage feeder that powers the smart light. For example, the control logic 400 may identify the state of the LED light strip based on input from the LED light strip (including a binary representation of the state of the LED light strip). In another example, the control logic 400 may identify the current state of the DIP switch. For example, the DIP switch may correspond to various states related to the position of the smart light. In one example, the DIP switch may generate an electrical signal based on the mechanical position of the DIP switch related to the position of the smart light. For example, when the smart light is adjacent to another smart light system, the DIP switch may include a configuration indicating the relative position of the DIP switch. In one example, the DIP switch may indicate whether the smart light is located to the left or right of a common reference position. The DIP switch may indicate the position of the smart light by the position of one of the DIP switches. For example, when the smart light is located to the left of the common reference position, one of the DIP switches may be in an up state, represented as a binary "1" in the corresponding electrical signal. The control logic 400 then proceeds to step 412.

In step 412, in one embodiment, the control logic 400 can assign the smart light configuration based on the DIP switch arrangement. For example, the DIP switch arrangement can correspond to the physical location of the smart light relative to other smart lights. The control logic 400 then proceeds to step 414.

In step 414, in one embodiment, the control logic 400 may identify the state of at least one LED light strip. For example, the control logic 400 may identify which LED light strip can be operated. For example, the control logic 400 may receive input indicating the ID and state of the LED from each LED light strip. In one example, the control logic 400 may identify whether the LED light strip is in an inoperable state based on input from the LED light strip. Alternatively, the control logic 400 may determine whether the LED light strip is in an operable state. For example, the LED light strip may transmit input including a binary representation of the state of the LED. The control logic 400 may receive input and classify the LED light strip according to the state of the LED light strip. In one example, the control logic 400 may identify which specific LEDs in the LED light strip are inoperable. The control logic 400 then proceeds to step 416.

In step 416, in one embodiment, the control logic 400 may detect an activation failure. For example, the control logic 400 may identify the number of operational LED light strips. In one example, the characteristic monitoring may generate an activation failure alert when the number of operational LED light strips is below a threshold. The threshold may include a ratio of operational LED light strips to the total number of LED light strips. In one example, the threshold may include a ratio of 50% of the total number of LED light strips in operation. The activation failure may correspond to legal compliance with public safety regulations. For example, the activation failure may correspond to multiple operational LED light strips at a railroad crossing.

The public content achieves at least the following advantages:

1. Provide the lighting system with the ability to monitor various LED states by combining power line communication and electrical hardware.

2. Use communication protocols to achieve effective communication between the lighting system and the network to monitor the status of the LEDs.

3. Minimize light failures by generating an alarm when the LED status indicates that the LED is inoperable.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that without the specific combination of computer hardware and other structural components and mechanisms assembled in the system of the present invention and described herein, the above advantages and purposes will not be possible to achieve. In addition, the algorithms, methods and processes disclosed herein improve and convert any general-purpose computer or processor disclosed in this specification and the accompanying drawings into a special-purpose computer, which is programmed to execute the disclosed algorithms, methods and processes to achieve the above functions, advantages and goals. It should also be understood that for those who are proficient in this field, there are a variety of programming tools that can be used to generate and implement the functions and operations described above. In addition, the selection of a specific programming tool may be determined by the specific goals and constraints of implementing these concepts, which are selected to implement the concepts proposed in this article and the appended claims.

The description in this patent document should not be construed as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential or critical element that must be included within the scope of the claims. In addition, unless the exact words "means for..." or "step for..." are expressly used in a particular claim and followed by a participatory phrase identifying the function, no claim is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112(f) for any additional claim or claim element. Terms used in the claims (such as (but not limited to) "mechanism", "module", "device", "unit", "component", "element", "member", "device", "machine", "system", "processor", "processing device", or "controller") should be understood and intended to refer to structures known to those skilled in the relevant art and further modified or enhanced by the features of the claims themselves, and are not intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112(f). Even under the broadest reasonable interpretation, in accordance with this paragraph of the specification, the claims are not intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112(f) in the absence of the above specific language.

The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential features. For example, each new structure described herein may be modified to accommodate specific local changes or requirements while retaining their basic configuration or structural relationship to each other, or while performing the same or similar functions described herein. Therefore, the present embodiments should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Therefore, all changes within the meaning and equivalent scope of the claims should be included in the claims. In addition, the various elements in the claims are not well-known, conventional or traditional. Instead, the claims point to the non-traditional innovative concepts described in the specification.

Claims (30)

1. An intelligent light system configured to monitor a Light Emitting Diode (LED) status may include:

A Power Line Communication (PLC) receiver for receiving a data communication signal through power line communication using a common voltage feeder; and

At least one intelligent light for controlling and monitoring the status of at least one LED light strip, comprising:

A plurality of dual in-line package (DIP) switches for representing an identifier of at least one LED strip;

a power line transceiver configured to communicate at least one LED over a power line using a common voltage feeder

The state of the lamp strip and the DIP switch position are transmitted to a PLC receiver;

a memory for storing DIP switch position, status and configuration enable information; and

A processor coupled to the plurality of DIP switches, the power line transceiver, the at least one LED strip, and the memory, configured to monitor a status of the at least one LED strip by performing the steps of:

monitoring voltage, current and DIP switch position;

The communication payload is transmitted to the powerline transceiver.

2. The intelligent light system according to claim 1, wherein the PLC receiver includes at least one bipolar terminal.

3. The intelligent light system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to perform the step of generating a communication payload based on the status and DIP switch position.

4. The intelligent light system according to claim 1, wherein the DIP switch position corresponds to a unique Identifier (ID) of one of the at least one intelligent light, a left or right position of the at least one intelligent light, and establishes a time delay for message transmission.

5. The intelligent light system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of DIP switches comprises at least seven DIP switches.

6. The intelligent light fixture system of claim 1, wherein the status includes all LED strips being inoperable, a first LED strip being operable and a second LED strip being inoperable, a first LED strip being inoperable and a second LED strip being operable, and a first LED strip being operable and a second LED strip being operable.

7. The intelligent light system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to perform the step of assigning intelligent light configurations based on DIP switch positions.

8. The intelligent light system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to perform the step of identifying a status of the at least one LED light strip.

9. The intelligent light system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to perform the step of detecting an activation failure.

10. A method of monitoring a Light Emitting Diode (LED) status may include:

an identifier representing at least one LED strip;

Transmitting the status of the at least one LED strip and dual in-line package (DIP) switch positions of the plurality of DIP switches to a Power Line Communication (PLC) receiver through power line communication using a voltage feeder that powers the intelligent lamp;

Monitoring voltage, current and DIP switch position; and

The communication payload is transmitted to the PLC receiver.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the PLC receiver includes at least one bipolar terminal.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising generating a communication payload based on the status and DIP switch position.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the DIP switch position corresponds to a unique Identifier (ID) of the smart lamp, a left or right position of the smart lamp, and establishes a time delay for message transmission.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the plurality of DIP switches comprises at least seven DIP switches.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the status includes all LED strips being inoperable, a first LED strip being operable and a second LED strip being inoperable, a first LED strip being inoperable and a second LED strip being operable, and a first LED strip being operable and a second LED strip being operable.

16. The method of claim 10, further comprising designating a smart light configuration based on the DIP switch position.

17. The method of claim 10, further comprising identifying a status of at least one LED light strip.

18. The method of claim 10, further comprising detecting an activation failure.

19. A computer-implemented method for monitoring a Light Emitting Diode (LED) status may include:

an identifier representing at least one LED strip;

transmitting the status of the at least one LED strip and dual in-line package (DIP) switch positions of the plurality of DIP switches to the roadside device using a voltage feeder that powers the smart lamp;

Monitoring voltage, current and DIP switch position; and

An alarm is generated in response to the status of the LED, indicating that the LED is inoperable.

20. The computer-implemented method of claim 19, further comprising a Power Line Communication (PLC) receiver comprising at least one bipolar terminal.

21. The computer-implemented method of claim 19, further comprising generating a communication payload based on the status and DIP switch position.

22. The computer-implemented method of claim 19, wherein the DIP switch position corresponds to a unique Identifier (ID) of the smart light, a left or right position of the smart light, and establishes a time delay for message transmission.

23. The computer-implemented method of claim 19, wherein the plurality of DIP switches comprises at least seven DIP switches.

24. The computer-implemented method of claim 19, wherein the status includes all LED strips being inoperable, a first LED strip being operable and a second LED strip being inoperable, a first LED strip being inoperable and a second LED strip being operable, and a first LED strip being operable and a second LED strip being operable.

25. The computer-implemented method of claim 19, further comprising assigning a smart light configuration based on DIP switch positions.

26. The computer-implemented method of claim 19, further comprising identifying a status of at least one LED light strip.

27. The computer-implemented method of claim 19, further comprising detecting an activation failure.

28. An intelligent flash system for monitoring the status of an LED flash, comprising:

A processor operably coupled to the at least one LED strip;

A plurality of dual in-line package (DIP) switches operatively coupled to the processor; and

A transceiver configured to transmit the status and the DIP switch position to the wayside device,

Wherein the processor may generate an alert in response to the status indicating that the LED is inoperable.

29. The intelligent flash system of claim 22, wherein the processor monitors the voltage, current, and DIP switch arrangement and transmits flash information to the wayside device.

30. The intelligent flasher system of claim 22, wherein the DIP switch position is set to a unique identification number.