( 12 ) United States Patent

US009755744B2 (12 ) United States Patent ( 10 ) Patent No. : US 9 , 755 ,744 B2 Cregg et al. (45 ) Date of Patent : Sep . 5 , 2017

( 54 ) SIMULCAST MESH DIMMABLE (58 ) Field of Classification Search ILLUMINATION SOURCE CPC ...... H05B 37 /0263 ; H05B 37 /0272 See application file for complete search history. (71 ) Applicant: SmartLabs, Inc ., Irvine, CA (US ) ( 72 ) Inventors : Daniel Brian Cregg , Newport Beach , (56 ) References Cited CA (US ) ; Joseph J Dada , Newport U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS Beach , CA (US ) 5 ,090 ,024 A 2 / 1992 Vander Mey et al . 5 ,726 ,644 A 3 / 1998 Jednacz et al. (73 ) Assignee: SmartLabs, Inc. , Irvine, CA (US ) 5 , 754 , 754 A 5/ 1998 Dudley et al. 6 ,031 , 818 A 2 / 2000 Lo et al . ( * ) Notice : Subject to any disclaimer , the term of this 6 , 636, 488 B1 10 / 2003 Varma et al. patent is extended or adjusted under 35 6 ,693 , 907 B1 2 / 2004 Wesley et al. U . S . C . 154 ( b ) by 0 days. 6 ,918 ,077 B2 7 / 2005 Fukushima et al . 7 , 046 , 642 B1 5 / 2006 Cheng et al. 7 ,069 ,490 B2 6 / 2006 Niu et al . (21 ) Appl. No. : 15 /187 ,010 (Continued ) ( 22 ) Filed : Jun . 20, 2016 FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS (65 ) Prior Publication Data MY 158614 A 10 /2016 US 2017 / 0012703 A1 Jan . 12 , 2017 WO WO 2006 /065275 6 / 2006 Related U .S . Application Data (Continued ) (63 ) Continuation of application No. 14 / 952 , 147 , filed on OTHER PUBLICATIONS Nov . 25 , 2015 , now Pat. No. 9 , 401, 763 , which is a continuation of application No. 13 /920 ,894 , filed on Insteon - White Paper : The Details, Insteon , 2013 . Jun . 18 , 2013, now Pat. No . 9 , 232 ,615 . (Continued ) (60 ) Provisional application No. 61/ 661 , 722 , filed on Jul. 3 , 2012 . Primary Examiner — Jeffrey Zweizig (74 ) Attorney , Agent, or Firm — Knobbe, Martens, Olson (51 ) Int. Cl. & Bear, LLP H05B 37 / 02 ( 2006 .01 ) H04B 10 / 116 ( 2013 .01 ) (57 ) ABSTRACT H04L 12 / 26 ( 2006 .01 ) An LED illumination device is configured to receive coded H04W 24 / 08 ( 2009 . 01 ) messages by at least one of radio signals in free space , H05B 33 / 08 ( 2006 .01 ) electrically conducted signals by wire , and light wave propa (52 ) U . S . CI. gated signals in free space , process the coded messages , and CPC ...... H04B 10 / 116 (2013 .01 ) ; H04L 43/ 16 transmit the coded messages by two or more of radio signals (2013 .01 ) ; H04W 24 /08 (2013 .01 ); H05B in free space, electrically conducted signals by wire , and 33 /0815 (2013 . 01 ) ; H05B 33 / 0845 ( 2013 .01 ); light wave propagated signals in free space . H05B 37 /0263 ( 2013 .01 ) ; H05B 37/ 0272 ( 2013 .01 ) 18 Claims, 18 Drawing Sheets

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References Cited 2004 / 0131125 A1 7 / 2004 Sanderford et al ( 56 ) 2004 / 0142685 A17 / 2004 Glasser et al. U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS 2004 / 0243684 Al 12 / 2004 Ha et al. 2007 / 0007898 A1 1 /2007 Bruning 7 ,233 , 573 B2 6 / 2007 Walls et al. 2008 / 0309504 Al 12 /2008 Lim 7 ,286 ,511 B2 10 / 2007 Zhong et al. 2009 /0022151 Al 1/ 2009 Jeon et al. 7 , 345 , 998 B2 3 / 2008 Cregg et al. 2009 / 0171571 A1 7 / 2009 Son et al. 7 , 663 , 502 B2 2 / 2010 Breed 2012 /0082461 Al 4 / 2012 Meyer et al . 7 ,904 , 187 B2 3 /2011 Hoffberg 2013 /0293118 AL 11 /2013 Nagashima et al. 8 ,013 ,545 B2 9 / 2011 Jonsson 2014 / 0022061 Al 1/ 2014 Apte 8 , 081 , 649 B2 12 / 2011 Cregg et al . 2014 / 0219193 Al 8 / 2014 Linde 8 ,190 , 275 B2 5 / 2012 Change 2014 / 0269425 Al 9 / 2014 Fisher 8 , 301, 180 B1 10 / 2012 Gailloux 2014 / 0280398 Al 9 /2014 Smith et al . 8, 427 , 076 B2 4 / 2013 Bourquin et al. 2014 /0321268 A1 10 / 2014 Saltsidis 8 , 495 , 244 B2 7 / 2013 Bonar 2015 / 0019659 A11 / 2015 Eidelson et al. 8 , 516, 087 B2 8 / 2013 Wilson 2015 / 0120000 A14 / 2015 Coffey et al . 8 , 610 , 305 B2 12 / 2013 Sarid 2015 /0295949 Al 10 /2015 Chizeck et al . 8 , 619 , 819 B2 12 / 2013 Seelman 2016 /0261538 A1 9 /2016 Cregg 8 , 653 , 935 B2 2 / 2014 Baker 8 , 804 , 584 B2 8 / 2014 Stewart FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS 8 ,918 , 461 B2 12 / 2014 Rimmer et al . 8 , 935 , 533 B2 1 / 2015 Kim et al . WO WO 2010 / 140136 12 / 2010 9 , 014, 067 B2 4 / 2015 Chun WO WO 2014 /007981 1 / 2014 9 , 014 , 708 B2 4 / 2015 He et al. 9 , 054, 892 B2 6 / 2015 Lamb 9 ,071 ,453 B2 6 / 2015 Shoemaker OTHER PUBLICATIONS 9 , 078, 087 B2 7 / 2015 Yoon 9 , 081 , 501 B2 7 / 2015 Asaad et al . “ Refresh ! Insteon Technology, ” Electronic Design ( EE ) Product 9 , 094 , 224 B2 7 / 2015 Olofsson et al. News, Staff Article, Apr. 5 , 2006 . 9 , 143 , 962 B2 9 /2015 Brady PCT International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT/ 9 , 148, 443 B2 9 /2015 Chizeck 9 , 232 , 615 B2 1 /2016 Cregg et al. US2013 / 046396 dated Nov . 21, 2013 , 2013 , 10 pages . 9 , 300 ,484 B1 3 / 2016 Cregg et al . PCT International Written Opinion for PCT/ US2013 /046396 dated 9 ,401 , 763 B2 7 / 2016 Cregg et al . Jun . 26 , 2014 , 7 pages. 9 , 426 ,220 B2 8 / 2016 Chauhan et al . PCT International Preliminary Report on Patentability for PCT/ 9 ,485 ,677 B2 11/ 2016 Lightstone et al . US2013 /046396 dated Oct . 8 , 2014 , in 6 pages . 2003 / 0103521 AL 6 / 2003 Raphaeli et al . Malaysian Notice of Allowance , re MY Application No . P1 2003 / 0142685 Al 7 / 2003 Bare 2012003571, dated Apr. 15 , 2016 . U . S . Patent Sep . 5 , 2017 Sheet 1 of 18 US 9 ,755 , 744 B2

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120 PHASE 1 - - - PHASE 2 110 128 FIG . 1 2012 POWERLINE COMMUNICATIONS 214 236236 4400110VAC ZERO POWERLINE CROSSING SIGNALING DETECTOR COUPLER - 23 VAC 216 218 P / S 20 VDC 3 .3 VDC 3 .0 VDC 212 V 222 RF PROCESSOR COMMUNICATIONS

224 - 210 226 228 LED LED MEMORY DRIVER 230 - 232 234 OPTICAL s oncaRECEIVER hombreAPD FIG . 2 LIGHT MODULATION COMMUNICATIONS U . S . Patent Sep . 5 , 2017 Sheet 2 of 18 US 9 ,755 , 744 B2

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33 Device# MaxHopsHopsLeft Hop# Retransmission# U . S . Patent Sep . 5 , 2017 Sheet 3 of 18 US 9 ,755 , 744 B2

400 RECEIVE INSTEON 710 MESSAGE VIA POWER LINE , RADIO FREQUENCY , OR LIGHT MODULATION 715 V IS MESSAGE YES TO ME ?

720 NO MAX 740 HOPS PROCESS > O ? MESSAGE YES 745 NO HOPS YES LEFT BROADCAST > O ? MESSAGE ? YES I NO 730 TRANSMIT DECREMENT ACK OR NAK VIA HOPS LEFT POWER LINE , RADIO FREQUENCY , OR LIGHT MODULATION RETRANSMIT MESSAGE VIA POWER LINE , RADIO FREQUENCY , OR LIGHT MODULATION

755 ( DONEDONE 1 09 FIG . 4A U . S . Patent Sep . 5 , 2017 Sheet 4 of 18 US 9 ,755 , 744 B2

735

760 770

TRANSMITTED RETRANSMIT USING ONE OR USAGE POWER MORE OF RADIO FREQUENCY LINE AND LIGHT MODULATION

NO 775 785

TRANSMITTED RETRANSMIT USING ONE OR USING RADIO MORE OF POWER LINE AND FREQUENCY LIGHT MODULATION

NO 795

RETRANSMIT USING ONE OR MORE OF POWER LINE AND RADIO FREQUENCY

FIG . 4B U . S . Patent Sep . 5 , 2017 Sheet 5 of 18 US 9 ,755 , 744 B2

430 450 LOOK AT TRAFFIC ON any e THE NETWORKncanto

414 422 418 IS LIGHT NO IS POWER IS RF TRAFFIC YES MODULATION NO LINE TRAFFIC > WITHIN THE TRAFFIC > THRESHOLD ? NETWORK ? THRESHOLD ? YES NO 424 YES - 420 1 416 TRANSMIT TRANSMIT USING ONE OR SET MESSAGE USING ONE OR MORE OF RADIO BIT TO REDUCE MORE OF POWER FREQUENCY AND RADIO FREQUENCY LINE AND RADIO LIGHT MODULATION MESSAGES FREQUENCY

426 NO IS RADIO FREQUENCY TRAFFIC THRESHOLD ?

YES TRANSMIT 1428 USING ONE OR MORE POWER LINE AND LIGHT MODULATION 430 ( DONE FIG . 4C U . S . Patent Sep . 5 , 2017 Sheet 6 of 18 US 9 ,755 , 744 B2

940

30 NO INCREMENTMAXHOPS INCREMENT RETRYCOUNTER MAX RETRIES? ÍYES

915 FIG.6 NoNO 945 925 LeNO YES START SENDDIRECTMESSAGEVIAPOWERLINE,RADIO FREQUENCYANDLIGHT MODULATION WAITFORACK ?ACKACK? DONE 600- 830

TONEXTMEMBER OFGROUP NO/SETTOADDRESS 810 815 820 FIG.5 835835 825 YES FREQUENCYANDLIGHT FREQUENCYANDLIGHT ALL SENT? SENDGROUP BROADCASTMESSAGE VIAPOWERLINE,RADIO MODULATION SETTOADDRESSTOFIRSTMEMBER OFGROUP SENDDIRECTGROUP-CLEANUP TOADDRESSEE VIAPOWERLINE,RADIO MODULATION GROUPCLEANUPS DONE 500 U . S . Patent Sep . 5 , 2017 Sheet 7 of 18 US 9 , 755, 744 B2

1510 1530 SIGNAL IN SIGNAL OUT A 1550 1515 MODEM MODEM 1535 RECEIVE MESSAGE TRANSMIT CIRCUITRY CONTROL CIRCUITRY

1540 1520 MESSAGE MESSAGE RECEIVER TRANSMITTER

DATA TO CONTROL DATA FROM APPLICATION FLAGS APPLICATION 1525 1555 1545

1540 FIG . 7

1645 1650 ZERO CARRIER CROSSING GENERATOR 1620 DETECTOR 1625 1655 CONTROL TRANSMIT FLAGS + CONTROL MODULATOR

1630 MESSAGE SYNC , START M DATA FROM BUFFER CODE, CRC DATA SHIFT SIGNAL TO FIFO REGISTER MODEM APPLICATION GENERATOR TRANSMITTER 1610 1615THE 1635 1640 1660 FIG . 8 U . S . Patent Sep . 5 , 2017 Sheet 8 of 18 US 9 ,755 , 744 B2

1710 SIGNAL FROM MODEM RECEIVER

1720 PHASE 1725 COSTAS LOCK PLL DETECTOR DATA 1730 BIT SYNC 1745 DATA BIT CLOCK 1750 1735 DATA SHIFT WINDOW REGISTER TIMER ZERO CROSS VALIDATE 1740 START CODE DETECT START DETECT DETECTOR TRUE / INVERT

RECEIVE RECEIVE BUFFER BUFFER DATA STORAGE CONTROL FIFO COMPLEMENTER 1755 1760 1770 HaveMsg CRC MESSAGE START CHECKER DATA TO DETECT 1765 1775 L APPLICATION CRCOK 1785 1790 1780 FIG . 9 U . S . Patent Sep . 5 , 2017 Sheet 9 of 18 US 9 ,755 , 744 B2

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1210 1205 Zero Crossing 16 .67 ms

800WSATI1023pS 1215 1240 1823 us 1250 | 24 BITS @ 131 .65 KHz VILLLLLLLLLL

Zero Crossing 1270

1280 1 BIT = 10 CYCLES of 131. 65 KHz FIG . 12 U . S . Patent Sep . 5, 2017 Sheet 11 of 18 US 9 , 755, 744 B2

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1330 13401340 13301330 1340 FIG . 14 U . S . Patent Sep . 5 , 2017 Sheet 12 of 18 US 9 ,755 ,744 B2

1925

PROCESSOR 1960 s= MESSAGE 195519621955 DATA 1930 SYNC, START DATA 1915 - BUFFER CODE, CRC UE DATA SHIFT RF FIFO GENERATOR REGISTER CLOCK TRANSCEIVER

1935 1940 2010 FIG . 15 2015 RF TRANSCEIVER

DATA BIT CLOCK 2020 DATA SHIFT REGISTER 2065 2025 2060 START CODE DETECTOR START DETECT 2055 PROCESSOR RECEIVE RECEIVE BUFFER BUFFER 2050 HaveMsg STORAGE CONTROL FIFO MESSAGE DATA 2030 2035 2045 2040 CRC CHECKER CRC OK FIG . 16 U . S . Patent Sep . 5 , 2017 Sheet 13 of 18 US 9 ,755 ,744 B2

1700

| Center Frequency 915 MHz Data Encoding Method Mancester Modulation Method FSK FSK Deviation 64 KHz FSK Symbol Rate 76 ,800 symbols per second Data Rate 38 ,400 bits per second Range 150 feet outdoors

FIG . 17 U . S . Patent Sep . 5 , 2017 Sheet 14 of 18 US 9 ,755 , 744 B2

"-2110 2120 2145 (ARRAYLED CPU/LEDPWMCONTROLLER LEDDRIVER DATA CLOCK DATASHIFT REGISTER 2140 FIG.18 xC3 2135

SYNC,START CODE,CRC 2130 GENERATOR 2125 FIFO PROCESSOR MESSAGE DATA 2115|BUFFER * U . S . Patent Sep . 5 , 2017 Sheet 15 of 18 US 9 ,755 ,744 B2

PHOTO PHOTO DETECT DETECTOR DEMODULATOR 2210

2205

CPU / LED PWM 2215 CONTROLLER

BIT DATA CLOCK 2220 DATA SHIFT REGISTER Data 20 2265 2225 2260 START CODE DETECTOR START DETECT 2255 PROCESSOR RECEIVE RECEIVE BUFFER BUFFER 2250 HaveMsg STORAGE CONTROL FIFO MESSAGE DATA 2230 2235 2245 2240 CRC CHECKER CRC OK

FIG . 19 U . S . Patent Sep . 5 , 2017 Sheet 16 of 18 US 9 ,755 ,744 B2

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200

202

FIG . 21 US 9 , 755 , 744 B2 SIMULCAST MESH DIMMABLE the illumination device by at least one of the radio signals in ILLUMINATION SOURCE free space and the electrically conducted signals by wire. In an embodiment, the enclosure comprises a bulb and a base , INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY and the electrical circuitry is disposed within the base . PRIORITY APPLICATIONS 5 In an embodiment, the method further comprises receiv ing the coded messages with the electrical circuitry disposed Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic within the enclosure of the illumination device by at least priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as one of the radio signals in free space, the electrically filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by conducted signals by wire, and light wave propagated sig reference under 37 CFR 1 . 57 . This application is related to 10 nals in free space , and transmitting the coded messages with U . S . Pat. Nos . 7 ,345 , 998 and 8 , 081 , 649 , which are hereby the electrical circuitry disposed within the enclosure of the incorporated by reference herein in their entireties . illumination device by all of the radio signals in free space , the electrically conducted signals by wire , and the light wave BACKGROUND propagated signals in free space . 15 In an embodiment, the method further comprises deter This disclosure relates to the field of electrical lighting mining whether radio signal message traffic exceeds a sources and more particularly to replaceable light bulb threshold , and when the threshold is exceeded , reducing the devices using light emitting diodes (LEDs ) and further radio signal message traffic while continuing to transmit by relates to the use of illumination devices to transceive the electrically conducted signals by wire . In another messages without the use of a network controller . 20 embodiment, the method further comprises determining Communication among low -cost devices is useful in whether radio signal message traffic exceeds a threshold , and many applications. For example , in a home environment, when the threshold is exceeded , reducing the radio signal room occupancy sensors, light switches , lamps , lamp dim - message traffic while continuing to transmit by at least one mers , and a gateway to the Internet can all work together if of the electrically conducted signals by wire and the light they are in communication . A room in a home could be 25 wave propagated signals in free space . In a further embodi illuminated when people are present, or else an alarm could ment, the coded messages transmitted by the electrically be sounded , depending on conditions established by a pro conducted signals by wire and the coded messages trans gram running on a remote computer. mitted by the light wave propagated signals in free space use In addition , current LED illumination sources are either the same carrier signal frequency and the same encoding non - dimmable or use expensive and inefficient phase angle 30 protocol . detection to provide dimming . Dimming levels are deter - In a yet further embodiment, the method further com mined by the analog phase angle of the chopped sine wave prises determining whether the coded message has been that can vary depending on the alternating current voltage transmitted by a first communication medium comprising at (VAC ) powering the lighting circuit, the power line fre - least one of the radio signals in free space and the electri quency , and the temperature of the individual illumination 35 cally conducted signals by wire , determining if an acknowl source . As a result , each illumination source in a bank of edgement of the coded message by an intended recipient has illumination sources , although driven from the same phase been received after transmitting the coded message by the angle dimmer, may have a different brightness . Further , first communication medium , and if the acknowledgement current illumination sources are inefficient because they has not been received , transmitting the coded message by a store energy during the chopped phases of the main power ' s 40 second communication medium comprising at least one of alternating current. The large components required to store the radio signals in free space and the electrically conducted the energy create undesirable physical dimensions for LED signals by wire . In another embodiment , the method further illumination sources . comprises determining if the acknowledgement of the coded message by the intended recipient has been received after SUMMARY 45 transmitting the coded message by the second communica tion medium , and if the acknowledgement has not been LED lighting devices communicate over a communica - received , transmitting the coded message by a third com tion network using one or more communication mediums to munication medium comprising at least one of the radio increase the likelihood that messages will be received by the signals in free space , the electrically conducted signals by intended recipient. Messages can be sent over the powerline , 50 wire , and light wave propagated signals in free space . via radio frequency (RF ) , and via light modulation of the In accordance with various embodiment, an illumination light emitted from LEDs associated with the LED lighting device capable of illuminating a space and further capable of device . reacting to and transmitting messages is disclosed . The In addition , communications sent over the network using illumination device comprises an enclosure , receiving cir one or more of powerline messaging , RF messaging, and 55 cuitry disposed with the enclosure and configured to receive light modulation messaging can control LED lighting coded messages by at least one of radio signals in free space devices. In an embodiment , a dimming feature of the LED and electrically conducted signals by wire , processing cir lighting device is controlled . cuitry disposed within the enclosure and configured to Certain embodiments relate to a method to transmit and process the coded messages , and transmitting circuitry dis receive messages over a network . The method comprises 60 posed within the enclosure and configured to transmit the receiving coded messages with electrical circuitry disposed coded messages by at least one of the radio signals in free within an enclosure of an illumination device by at least one space and the electrically conducted signals by wire . In an of radio signals in free space and electrically conducted embodiment, the enclosure comprises a bulb and a base , and signals by wire , processing the coded messages with the the receiving circuitry , the processing circuitry , and the electrical circuitry disposed within the enclosure of the 65 transmitting circuitry are disposed within the base . illumination device , and transmitting the coded messages In an embodiment, the receiving circuitry is further con with the electrical circuitry disposed within the enclosure of figured to receive the coded messages by at least one of the US 9 , 755 ,744 B2 radio signals in free space , the electrically conducted signals In a further embodiment, the coded messages transmitted by wire , and light wave propagated signals in free space and by the electrically conducted signals and the coded messages the transmitting circuitry is further configured to transmit the transmitted by the light wave propagated signals in free coded messages by all of the radio signals in free space , the space use the same carrier signal frequency and the same electrically conducted signals by wire , and the light wave 5 encoding protocol. In an embodiment, the carrier signal propagated signals in free space . In another embodiment, the frequency is between approximately 100 KHz to approxi coded messages transmitted by the electrically conducted mately 200 KHz and the encoding protocol comprises binary signals and the coded messages transmitted by the light wave propagated signals in free space use the same carrier phase shift keying (BPSK ) . signal frequency and the same encoding protocol. In another embodiment, the method further comprises In an embodiment, the processing circuitry is further determining whether the coded message has been transmit configured to determine whether radio signal message traffic ted by a first communication medium comprising at least exceeds a threshold , and when the threshold is exceeded , one of the radio signals in free space , the electrically reduce the radio signal message traffic while continuing to conducted signals by wire , and the light wave propagated transmit by the electrically conducted signals by wire . 15 signals in free space, determining if an acknowledgementof the coded message by an intended recipient has been comprisesIn another power embodiment line circuitry, the disposed illumination within devicethe enclosure further received after transmitting the coded message by the first and configured to electrically conduct the coded messages communication medium , and if the acknowledgement has over a power line wire , and radio frequency (RF ) circuitry not been received , transmitting the coded message by a disposed within the enclosure and configured to receive and 20 second communication medium comprising at least one of transmit the coded messages using the radio signals in free the radio signals in free space, the electrically conducted space . In yet another embodiment the illumination device signals by wire , and the light wave propagated signals in free further comprises light wave modulation / demodulation cir space . The method further comprises determining if the cuitry disposed within the enclosure and configured to acknowledgement of the coded message by the intended receive and transmit the coded messages using light wave 25 recipient has been received after transmitting the coded propagated signals in free space . In a further embodiment, message by the second communication medium , and if the the enclosure comprises a bulb and a base , the powerline acknowledgement has not been received , transmitting the circuitry , the radio frequency circuitry , and the light wave coded message by a third communication medium compris modulation /demodulation circuitry are disposed within the ing at least one of the radio signals in free space , the base . In an embodiment, the processing circuitry is further 30 electrically conducted signals by wire, and the light wave configured to determine whether the coded message has propagated signals in free space . been transmitted by a first communication medium com In accordance with various embodiments , an electrical prising at least one of the radio signals in free space and the circuit capable of illuminating a space and further capable of electrically conducted signals by wire , determine if an 3536 reacreacting to and transmitting messages is disclosed . The acknowledgement of the coded message by an intended electrical circuit comprises receiving circuitry configured to recipient has been received after transmitting the coded receive coded messages by at least one of radio signals in message by the first communication medium , and if the free space , electrically conducted signals by wire , and light acknowledgement has not been received , transmit the coded wave propagated signals in free space , processing circuitry message by a second communication medium comprising at 40 configured to process the coded messages, and transmitting least one of the radio signals in free space and the electri - circuitry configured to transmit the coded messages by all of cally conducted signals by wire . In an embodiment, the the radio signals in free space , the electrically conducted processing circuitry is further configured to determine signals by wire , and the light wave propagated signals in free whether message traffic for the electrically conducted sig - space . The electrical circuit further comprises power line nals by wire exceeds a threshold , and when the threshold is 45 circuitry configured to electrically conduct the coded mes exceeded , transmit the coded message by the electrically sages over a power line wire , radio frequency (RF ) circuitry conducted signals by wire . configured to receive and transmit the coded messages using Certain embodiments relate to a method to transmit and the radio signals in free space , and light wave modulation / receive messages over a network . The method comprises demodulation circuitry configured to receive and transmit receiving coded messages by at least one of radio signals in 50 the coded messages using the lightwave propagated signals free space, electrically conducted signals by wire , and light in free space , where the light wave modulation /demodula wave propagated signals in free space , processing the coded tion circuitry comprises an optical sensor, an array of one or messages, and transmitting the coded messages by all of the more light emitting diodes (LEDs ) , and an LED driver . radio signals in free space , the electrically conducted signals In an embodiment, the processing circuitry is further by wire , and the light wave propagated signals in free space . 55 configured to determine whether message traffic for the In an embodiment, the method further comprises deter - electrically conducted signals by wire exceeds a threshold , mining whether radio signal message traffic exceeds a and when the threshold is exceeded , only transmit the coded threshold , and when the threshold is exceeded , reducing the message by the light wave propagated signals in free space . radio signal message traffic while continuing to transmit by For purposes of summarizing the disclosure , certain the electrically conducted signals by wire and the light wave 60 aspects , advantages and novel features of the inventions propagated signals in free space . In another embodiment, the have been described herein . It is to be understood that not method further comprises determining whether radio signal necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accor message traffic exceeds a threshold , and when the threshold dance with any particular embodiment of the invention . is exceeded , preventing devices from transmitting the coded Thus , the invention may be embodied or carried out in a messages by the radio signals in free space while continuing 65 manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of to transmit by the electrically conducted signals by wire and advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving the light wave propagated signals in free space . other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein . US 9 , 755 , 744 B2 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG . 21 illustrates an illumination device capable of transmitting and receiving messages over the communica FIG . 1 is a block diagram of a communication network tion network via powerline signaling, RF , and modulation of with devices using powerline , RF signaling , and lightmodu - light, according to certain embodiments . lation signaling , according to certain embodiments . 5 FIG . 2 is a block diagram of an LED illumination module DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE with powerline , RF , and light modulation signaling capa PREFERRED EMBODIMENT bilities , according to certain embodiments . FIG . 3 is a block diagram illustrating message retrans The features of the systems and methods will now be mission within the communication network , according to 10 described with reference to the drawings summarized above . certain embodiments . Throughout the drawings , reference numbers are re -used to FIG . 4A illustrates a process to receive messages within indicate correspondence between referenced elements . The the communication network , according to certain embodi - drawings , associated descriptions , and specific implementa ments. tion are provided to illustrate embodiments of the inventions FIG . 4B illustrates a process to retransmit messages 15 and not to limit the scope of the disclosure . within the communication network , according to certain FIG . 1 is a block diagram of a communication network embodiments 100 of control and communication devices 112 - 126 com FIG . 4C illustrates a process to determine by which municating over the network 100 using one or more of transmission medium to retransmit messages based on net- powerline signaling , RF signaling , and light modulation work traffic , according to certain embodiments . 20 signaling . In an embodiment, the communication network FIG . 5 illustrates a process to transmit messages to groups 100 comprises a mesh network . In another embodiment, the of devices within the communication network , according to communication network 100 comprises a simulcast mesh certain embodiments . network . In a further embodiment, the communication net FIG . 6 illustrates a process to transmit direct messages work comprises a mesh network including a powerline with retries to devices within the communication network , 25 network , and lightmodulation network . according to certain embodiments . Electrical power is most commonly distributed to build FIG . 7 is a block diagram of an LED illumination device ings and homes in North America as two -phase 220 - volt illustrating the overall flow of information related to sending alternating current ( 220 VAC ) . At the main junction box to and receiving messages, according to certain embodiments. the building , the three -wire 220 VAC power line is split into FIG . 8 is a block diagram illustrating the overall flow of 30 two two -wire 110 VAC power lines, known as Phase 1 and information related to transmitting messages on the power - Phase 2 . Phase 1 wiring is typically used for half the circuits line , according to certain embodiments . in the building , and Phase 2 is used for the other half. In the FIG . 9 is a block diagram illustrating the overall flow of exemplary network 100 , devices 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 , 120 are information related to receiving messages from the power connected to a Phase 1 power line 110 and devices 122 , 124 , line , according to certain embodiments . 35 126 , are connected to a Phase 2 power line 128 . FIG . 10 illustrates a powerline BPSK signal, according to In network 100 , device 112 is configured to communicate certain embodiments . over the power line ; device 126 is configured to communi FIG . 11 illustrates a powerline BPSK signal with transi - cate via RF ; and devices 116 and 124 are configured to tion smoothing , according to certain embodiments . communicate over the powerline and via RF . Additionally FIG . 12 illustrates powerline signaling applied to the 40 device 116 can be configured to communicate to a computer powerline , according to certain embodiments . 130 and other digital equipment using, for example , RS232 , FIG . 13 illustrates standard message packets applied to USB , and Ethernet protocols and communication hardware . the powerline , according to certain embodiments . Device 116 on the network 100 communicating with com FIG . 14 illustrates extended message packets applied to puter 130 and other digital devices can , for example , bridge the powerline , according to certain embodiments . 45 to networks of otherwise incompatible devices in a building , FIG . 15 is a block diagram illustrating the overall flow of connect to computers , act as nodes on a local- area network information related to transmitting messages via RF, accord - (LAN ) , or get onto the global Internet . ing to certain embodiments . Devices 114 , 118 , 120 , 122 comprise light emitting diode FIG . 16 is a block diagram illustrating the overall flow of (LED ) lighting devices and are configured to communicate information related to receiving messages via RF, according 50 over the power line , via RF, and using modulated light to certain embodiments . techniques. FIG . 17 is a table of exemplary specifications for RF In an embodiment, devices, such as devices 112 , 114 , 116 , signaling within the communication network , according to 118 , 120 , 122 , 124 that send and receive messages over the certain embodiments . power line , use the Insteon® Powerline protocol, and FIG . 18 is a block diagram illustrating the overall flow of 55 devices , such as devices 114 , 116 , 118 , 120 , 122 , 124 , 126 information related to transmitting messages via modulation that send and receive radio frequency (RF ) messages, use the of light from an LED illumination device , according to Insteon® RF protocol, as defined in U . S . Pat. Nos. 7 , 345 , certain embodiments . 998 and 8 , 081, 649 which are hereby incorporated by refer FIG . 19 is a block diagram illustrating the overall flow of e nce herein in their entireties. INSTEON® is a trademark of information related to receiving messages via modulation of 60 the applicant. light from an LED illumination device, according to certain LED lighting devices 114 , 118 , 120 , 122 send messages embodiments. using modulation of the light emitted from the devices ' LED FIGS . 20A and 20B are an exemplary schematic diagram and received modulated light encoded messages. of an LED illumination device capable of transmitting and FIG . 21 illustrates an illumination device 200 , such as an receiving messages over the communication network via 65 LED illumination device or module , and incandescent illu powerline signaling , RF, and modulation of light, according mination device , a fluorescent illumination device , and the to certain embodiments . like . The illumination device 200 comprises an enclosure US 9 , 755 , 744 B2 including a bulb 202 and a base 203 . In an embodiment, the physical data storage systems for storing data and applica bulb 202 comprises glass , plastic , or other transparent or tions used by the processor 220 and the program logic . translucent material capable of emitting light waves from an In an embodiment, programming may include day - light illumination source , such as an LED array, a filament, or the harvesting , local device timers, macros, and automatic LED like , within the enclosure . The base 203 attaches to the bulb 5 brightness control to prevent damage to the LEDs if ambient and to a power source used to power the illumination source . temperature conditions put them at risk . In an embodiment, For example , the bulb 203 can comprise threads for screw - the LED lighting module 200 comprises internal tempera ing the bulb into a standard light bulb socket electrically ture sensing that can be used as a network -based remote connected to 110 - 120 VAC house wiring . temperature sensor when device - generated heat is taken into The illumination device 200 further comprises electrical 10 account. circuitry 201 disposed with the enclosure , as indicated by the In other embodiments, the programming may include dashed box . In an embodiment, the electrical circuitry 201 is processes to determine whether to simultaneous transmit or configured to receive coded messages , process coded mes - retransmit messages over the powerline , via RF and using sages , and transmit coded messages. In another embodi- light modulation , or to determine a preferred one of the ment, the electrical circuitry 201 comprises at least one of 15 powerline, RF and light modulation physical layers for receiving circuitry , processing circuitry , and transmitting message transmission / retransmission . In a further embodi circuitry . In a further embodiment, the electrical circuitry menment , the programming may a process to determine from 201 comprises at least one of power line circuitry , radio which physical layer the majority of message traffic is on , frequency circuitry , and light wave modulation /demodula - and to determine which physical layer ( PL , RF , light modu tion circuitry . 20 lation ) to transmit /retransmit messages to increase message FIG . 2 is a block diagram of the electrical circuitry 201 reception by the intended recipient device . disposed within the enclosure of the illumination device 200 Powerline ( PL ) Communications comprising powerline (PL ), RF, and light modulation sig - The LED lighting module 200 uses binary phase - shift naling capabilities . The electrical circuitry 201 comprises a keying (BPSK ) networking to communicate to other devices processor 210 , a power supply 212 , powerline communica - 25 over the power line . In another embodiment, the LED tion circuitry 214 , RF communication circuitry 220 , and lighting module 200 uses binary phase -shift keying (BPSK ) light modulation circuitry 224 . simulcast mesh networking to communicate to other devices Power Supply over the power line . The power supply 212 receives a 110 VAC power signal In other embodiments , other encoding schemes , such as over the power line 236 and generates one or more voltages , 30 return to zero (RZ ) , Nonreturn to Zero - Level (NRZ - L ) , such as 20 VDC , 3 . 3 VDC , 3 . 0 VDC , for example , to power Nonreturn to Zero Inverted ( NRZI ), Bipolar Alternate Mark the circuitry 210 , 214 , 220 , 224 . In other embodiments, the Inversion ( AMI) , Pseudoternary , differential Manchester , power supply 212 converts the line voltage to other direct Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK ), Phase Shift Keying (PSK ) , current voltage and transforms the line voltage to other and the like , could be used . alternating current voltages as need by the accompanying 35 The powerline communication circuitry comprises a zero circuitry 210 , 214 , 220 , 224 . In an embodiment, the power crossing detector 216 and a powerline signaling coupler 218 . supply components comprise a high efficiency mains or The zero crossing detector 216 determines when the alter power line voltage to communications drive and logic level nating current line voltage waveform is at a zero crossing . voltages via a buck regulator two- stage supply . In an The powerline signaling coupler 218 encodes a message embodiment, the power supply 212 uses full wave rectifi - 40 using BPSK onto a carrier signal or decodes a BPSK cation to take advantage of the energy of both the positive message from the carrier signal based at least in part on the and negative portions of the AC supply . timing provided by the zero crossing detector 216 . Processor To transmit a powerline message , the processor 210 sends The processor circuitry 210 provides program logic and the message data to the powerline coupling circuitry 218 memory 234 in support of programs and intelligence within 45 which encodes the data using BPSK onto a carrier signal the LED lighting device 200 , as well as bulb functions, such which is sent over a portion of the power line signal at the as dimming , ON , and OFF. The program logic may advan - appropriate time as determined by the zero crossing detector tageously be implemented as one or more modules . The 216 . To receive a powerline message , the powerline cou modules may advantageously be configured to execute on pling circuitry 218 receives the BPSK data encoded pow one or more processors . Themodules may comprise , but are 50 erline signal from the power line 236 . The powerline sig not limited to , any of the following : software or hardware naling coupler 218 decodes the BPSK data from the carrier components such as software object -oriented software com - signal based at least in part on the timing provided by the ponents , class components and task components, processes zero crossing detector 216 . The powerline signaling coupler methods, functions, attributes, procedures , subroutines, seg - 218 sends the data to the processor 210 for processing . ments of program code , drivers, firmware , microcode , cir - 55 In an embodiment the carrier signal frequency is prefer cuitry , data , databases , data structures , tables , arrays , or able approximately 131 .65 KHz. In another embodiment, variables. the carrier signal frequency is between approximately 120 In an embodiment, the processor circuitry 220 comprises KHz and approximately 140 KHz. In a further embodiment, a computer and associated memory. The computers com the carrier signal frequency is approximately 110 KHz to prise , by way of example , processors, program logic , or 60 approximately 150 KHz. In a yet further embodiment, the other substrate configurations representing data and instruc - carrier signal frequency is approximately 100 KHZ to tions, which operate as described herein . In other embodi- approximately 120 KHz. In other embodiments the carrier ments , the processors can comprise controller circuitry, signal frequency is less than 100 KHz. In further embodi processor circuitry , processors , general purpose single - chip m ents, the carrier signal frequency is greater than 200 KHz. or multi- chip microprocessors , digital signal processors , 65 The power line communications work well in environ embedded microprocessors , microcontrollers and the like . ments where RF and light modulation communications fail . The memory 234 can comprise one or more logical and /or In an embodiment, the power line signaling coupler 218 US 9 ,755 ,744 B2 10 provides an inexpensive tie to the line voltage , while the uses the same encoding protocol, such as BPSK , for zero -crossing detection circuit 216 provides an over -all example , and the same carrier signal as the powerline network synchronization to the AC mains . signaling described above . In an embodiment, the timing Radio Frequency (RF ) Communications and the signaling for the light modulation communications The RF communications circuit 220 uses narrow band 5 may be the same as that used for the powerline communi frequency shift keying ( FSK ) communications . The proces - cations. Advantageously , the BPSK signaling and bit tran sor 210 sends message data to the RF communications sitions at the carrier signal frequency described above with circuitry 220 , where the data is encoded using FSK onto a respect to the powerline communications do not cause baseband signal, which is up converted and transmitted from visually detectable flicker in the LED light output. Further , antenna 222 to other devices on the network 100 . In addi - 10 such encoded messages support pulse width modulation tion , the antenna 222 receives RF signals which are down (PWM ) dimming as well as embedding phase shift data . converted to a baseband FSK encoded signal and decoded In an embodiment, the LED lighting device 200 replaces by the RF communications circuitry 220 . The processor conventional illumination sources such as a common screw circuitry 210 receives the decoded message data and pro - in type light bulb . LED lighting devices 200 can provide cesses the message . 15 lighting solutions over a range of different form factors and Light Modulation Communications particularly with those that include metal housings surround The light modulation communication circuitry 224 com ing most of a bulb which results in shielding RF commu prises a visible light transceiver and includes LED driver nications. This is particularly common in recessed ceiling circuitry 226 and one or more LEDs 228 configured to light fixtures . Form factors such as A19 , standard screw - in transmit messages optically . The modulation circuitry 224 20 type incandescent light bulb , a fluorescent tube , or other further includes an optical sensor 232 and optical receiver common replaceable illumination elements can be used . circuitry 230 configured to receive messages optically . The Examples of other form factors are the A series , the B series , drive circuit 226 and the LEDs 228 have very fast ON /OFF the C - 7 / F series, the G series, the P - 25 /ps - 35 series , the BR switching times allowing for pulse -width modulation series , the R series, the RP - 11 / S series , the Par series , the T ( PWM ) control or other modulation techniques . In an 25 series , and the like . embodiment, continuous mains power enables the pulse A user can turn on specific LED lighting devices 200 width modulation output to the LEDs 228 as a constant helpful for some activities in a room or area while not current source . intruding on other activities . For instance , one portion of a Dimmable control of the LED illumination device 200 room may have lights that are dimmed while another portion may be accomplished using medium and high frequency 30 of the room may have lights that are at a higher level of pulse width modulation . Modulation control is adjusted by output. Individual light bulb control is beneficial for accent the processor circuitry 220 to send messages without inter - lighting such as for art objects , or for up - lighting artistic rupting the illumination mission . Because dimming is actu effects . ated via commands, a message may contain a specific digital In an embodiment, the LED illumination module 200 level and ramp or fade rate that is highly consistent from 35 comprises a simulcast mesh dimmable Insteon® illumina LED illumination device to the next. tion source which is referred to using the term “ Insteon To transmit a light modulated message, the processor 220 bulb ” which uses Insteon® technology as defined in U . S . sendsmessage data to the LED driver circuitry 226 to drive Pat. Nos. 7 ,345 ,998 and 8 ,081 ,649 which are hereby incor the LEDs 228 to produce modulated light encoding the porated by reference herein in their entireties . The Insteon message . To receive light modulated messages , the modu - 40 bulb propagates messages using wireless radio frequency lated light is received by the optical sensor 232 , such as an broadcasting , power wiring conduction , and relatively high avalanche photodiode . The resulting electrical signal is frequency pulse width modulated visible light. The precise received by the optical receiver 230 which decodes the control in brightness that is possible with an LED enables a message from the electrical signal and sends the message to light output ( illumination ) to be used as a communication the processor 220 for processing . 45 source that is hidden within the visible illuminating light In an embodiment, the light modulation circuitry 224 uses output itself. The Insteon bulb uses power lines and radio the same encoding protocol, such as BPSK , for example , and frequency transmission to send and receive messages effi the same carrier signal as the powerline signaling described ciently to all other Insteon bulbs simultaneously. above . In an embodiment, the timing and the signaling for The communication network 100 may function using the light modulation communications may be the same as 50 radio communications only , power line communications that used for the powerline communications . Advanta - only, lightmodulation communications only , any two simul geously , the BPSK signaling and bit transitions at the carrier taneously , all three simultaneously, in a sequence of two or signal frequency described above with respect to the pow - more , or in an intelligently determined hierarchy . This erline communications do not cause visually detectable creates a significant advantage , in that, alone , one transmis flicker in the LED light output. Further , such encoded 55 sion medium may fail to meet a particular objective while messages support pulse width modulation (PWM ) dimming simulcasting over two or more media may succeed . as well as embedding phase shift data . Referring to FIG . 1 , devices 114 - 124 that use two or more In an embodiment, messages may be sent between LED of the powerline , RF , and modulation communication media lighting devices 200 when bulb operation includes modula - or layers solve a significant problem experienced by devices tion pauses in output for message reception . In another 60 that only communicate via the powerline , such as device embodiment, messages may be sent between LED lighting 112 . Powerline signals on opposite powerline phases 10 and devices 200 simultaneously by using alternate light sensors 11 are severely attenuated because there is no direct circuit 232. connection for them to travel over. Using devices capable of In another embodiment, the messages are encoded using communicating over two or more of the communication binary phase shift keying (BPSK ) on an approximately 65 layers solves the powerline phase coupling problem when 131 .65 KHz carrier signal modulated onto the light from the ever such devices are connected on opposite powerline LEDs. In an embodiment, the lightmodulation circuitry 224 phases . US 9 ,755 ,744 B2 As shown in FIG . 1 , LED lighting device 114 is installed retransmit it depending on the Hops Left field . If the Hops on powerline phase 1 110 and device 124 is installed on Left value is one or more , the receiving device decrements powerline phase 2 128 . LED lighting device 114 can com - the Hops Left value by one , then retransmits the message municate via power line with devices 116 , 118 on powerline with the new Hops Left value . Devices 200 that receive a phase 1 110 , but it can also communicate via power line with 5 message with a Hops Left value of zero will not retransmit device 124 on powerline phase 2 128 because it can com - that message . Also , a device 200 that is the intended recipi municate using RF signaling or light modulation with device ent of a message will not retransmit the message , regardless 122 , which in turn is directly connected to powerline phase of the Hops Left value . 2 128 . The dashed circle represents the RF range of device In other words, Max Hops is the maximum retransmis 122. Direct RF paths between devices 114 to 124 ( 1 hop ) , or 10 sions allowed . All messages " hop ” at least once, so the value indirect paths using 122 and 124 ( 2 hops ) allow messages to in the Max Hops field is one less than the number of times propagate between the powerline phases. a message actually hops from one device to another. In Each device 112 - 126 is configured to repeat messages to embodiments where the maximum value in this field is three , others of the devices 112 - 126 on the network 100 . In an there can be four actual hops , comprising the original embodiment, each device 112 - 126 is capable of repeating 15 transmission and three retransmissions. Four hops can span messages , using the protocols as described herein . Further, a chain of five devices . This situation is shown schematically the devices 112 - 126 are peers , meaning that any device can in FIG . 3 . act as a master ( sending messages ), slave (receiving mes FIG . 4A illustrates a process 400 to receive messages sages) , or repeater ( relaying messages ). Adding more within the communication network 100 . The flowchart in devices configured to communicate over more than one 20 FIG . 4A shows how the LED device 200 receives messages physical layer increases the number of available pathways and determines whether to retransmit them or process them . for messages to travel. Path diversity results in a higher At step 710 , the device 200 receives a message via power probability that a message will arrive at its intended desti line , RF or light modulation . nation . At step 715 , the process 400 determines whether the For example , RF device 120 desires to send a message to 25 device 200 needs to process the received message . The device 114 , but device 114 is out of range . The message will device 200 processes Direct messages when the device 200 still get through , however, because devices within range of is the addressee , Group Broadcast messages when the device device 120 , such as devices 112 , 116 , 118 will receive the 200 is a member of the group , and all Broadcast messages . message and repeat it to other devices within their respective If the received message is a Direct message intended for ranges . There are many ways for a message to travel: device 30 the device 200 , a Group Broadcast message where the 120 to 118 to 114 ( 2 hops ) , device 120 to 112 to 118 to 114 device 200 is a group member, or a Broadcast message , the ( 3 hops ) , device 120 to 116 to 112 to 1118 to 114 ( 4 hops ) process 400 moves to step 740 . At step 740, the device 200 are some examples . processes the received message . Unless there is a limit on the number of hops that a At step 745 , the process 400 determines whether the message may take to reach its final destination , messages 35 received message is a Group Broadcast message or one of a might propagate forever within the network 100 in a nested Direct message and Direct group -cleanup message . If the series of recurring loops. Network saturation by repeating message is a Direct or Direct Group - cleanup message , the messages is known as a “ data storm . ” The message protocol process moves to step 750 . At step 750, the device 200 sends avoids this problem by limiting the maximum number of an acknowledge (ACK ) or a negative acknowledge (NAK ) hops an individualmessage may take to some small number , 40 message back to themessage originator in step 750 and ends such as, for example , four. In other embodiments , the the task at step 755 . number of hops is limited to less than 4 . In other embodi In an embodiment, the process 400 simultaneously sends ments , the number of hops is limited to a number greater the ACK /NAK message over the powerline , via RF, and via than 4 and less than 10 . light modulation . In another embodiment, the process 400 FIG . 3 is a block diagram illustrating message retrans - 45 sends the ACK /NAK message over the powerline , via RF, mission within the communication network 100 . In order to and via light modulation . In another embodiment, the pro improve network reliability , the LED lighting devices 200 cess 400 intelligently selects which physical layer (power retransmit messages intended for other devices on the net- line, RF, light modulation ) to use for ACK /NAK message work 100 . This increases the range that the message can transmission . In a further embodiment, the process 400 travel to reach its intended device recipient. 50 sequentially sends the ACK /NAK message using a different However , to avoid endless repetition data storms, in an physical layer for each subsequent retransmission . embodiment, messages can be retransmitted a maximum of If at step 745 , the process 400 determines that the message three times . In other embodiments , the number of times a is a Broadcast or Group Broadcast message , the process 400 message can be retransmitted is less than 3 . In further moves to step 720 . If , at step 715 , the process 400 deter embodiments , the number of times a message can be retrans - 55 mines that the device 200 does not need to process the mitted is greater than 3 . The larger the number of retrans - received message, the process 400 also moves to step 720 . missions, however , the longer the message will take to At step 720 the process 400 determines whether the message complete . should be retransmitted . Embodiments comprise a pattern of transmissions , At step 720 , the Max Hops bit field of the Message Flags retransmissions , and acknowledgements that occurs when 60 byte is tested . If the Max Hops value is zero , process 400 messages are sent . Message fields, such as Max Hops and moves to step 755 , where it is done . If the Max Hops filed Hops Left manage message retransmission . In an embodi - is not zero , the process moves to step 725 , where the Hops ment, messages originate with the 2 - bit Max Hops field set Left filed is tested . to a value of 0 , 1 , 2 , or 3 , and the 2 - bit Hops Left field set If there are zero Hops Left , the process 400 moves to step to the same value . A Max Hops value of zero tells other 65 755 , where it is finished . If the Hops Left field in not zero , devices within range not to retransmit the message . A higher the process 400 moves to step 730 , where the process Max Hops value tells devices receiving the message to decrements the Hops Left value by one . US 9 , 755 , 744 B2 13 14 At step 735 , the process 400 retransmits the message . In At step 418 , the light modulation traffic is compared to a an embodiment, the process 400 simultaneously retransmits light modulation traffic threshold . If the amount of light the message over the power line, via RF , and via light modulation message traffic on the network is greater than the modulation . In another embodiment, the process 400 threshold , the process 450 transmits or retransmits the retransmits the message over the power line , via RF, and via 5 message using one ormore of RF signaling and PL signaling light modulation . In another embodiment, the process 400 at step 420 . If the light modulation threshold is not met , the intelligently selects which physical layer (PL , RF , light process 400 finishes at step 430 . modulation ) to use for message retransmission . In a further At step 422 , the process 450 determines if the majority of embodiment, the process 400 sequentially retransmits the radio frequency message traffic is from devices with the message using a different physical layer for each subsequent network 100 . In an embodiment, the process 400 determines retransmission . whether majority of radio frequency message traffic is from FIG . 4B illustrates an embodiment of the process at step devices with the network by comparing device addresses to 735 to retransmit messages within the communication net - a list of network device addresses . work 100 using transmission media in any order. 16. If the radio frequency message traffic is from devices At step 760 , the process 735 determines if the message outside the network 100 , then the LED devices 200 may also was transmitted using powerline communications . If the be transmitting to devices 200 outside of the network 100 . message had previously been transmitted over the power At step 424 , the process 450 reduces the number of mes line, at step 770 , the process 400 retransmits the message sages transmitted using radio frequency signaling . In an using one or more of radio frequency signaling and light 20 embodiment, the process 450 sets a bit in the message data modulation signaling. to reduce or stop radio frequency messaging . If the message had not been previously transmitted over If the majority of radio frequency message traffic is from the power line, the process 735 checks whether the message devices within the network 100 , the process 450 moves to had previously been transmitted using radio frequency and step 426 . At step 426 , the radio frequency traffic is compared or light modulation signaling . At step 775 , the process 735 25 to a radio frequency traffic threshold . If the amount of radio determines if the message was transmitted using radio frequency message traffic on the network is greater than the frequency communications. At step 785 , if the message had radio frequency traffic threshold , the process 450 transmits previously been transmitted using radio frequency commu or retransmits the message using one or more of powerline nications , the process 735 retransmits themessage using one signaling and light modulation signaling at step 428 . If the or more of powerline signaling and light modulation signal - 30 radio frequency traffic threshold is not met , the process 450 ing . finishes at step 430 . At step 795 , if the message had previously been trans Thus , variations in the logic above could produce different mitted using neither powerline signaling nor radio frequency signaling orders based on message traffic criteria . For signaling, the process 735 retransmits themessage using one example , if the threshold is exceeded for powerline traffic , or more of radio frequency signaling and light modulation 35 the process could transmit the coded messages only via light signaling. modulation . If the threshold is exceeded for radio frequency Thus, the process 735 sequences through hierarchies of traffic , the process 450 could transmit the coded messages the communication media . In an embodiment, this could be only via power line . All permutations of power line , radio implemented using a message bit representing a Media frequency , and light wave modulation signaling are possible . Counter to sequence through the physical layers used to send 40 FIG . 5 illustrates a process 500 to transmit messages to a transmission . Different logic could be used to determine multiple recipient devices in a group within the communi which combinations of media are used to retransmit the cation network 100 . Group membership is stored in a message . database in the device 200 following a previous enrollment FIG . 4C illustrates a process 450 to determine which process. At step 810 the device 200 first sends a Group transmission medium to retransmit messages based at least 45 Broadcast message intended for all members of a given in part on network traffic . If the traffic on a particular group . The Message Type field in the Message Flags byte is physical layer is too great , messages on that physical layer set to signify a Group Broadcast message , and the To will be delayed . Instead of retransmitting themessage simul - Address field is set to the group number, which can range taneously on all of the physical layers , including the layer from 0 to 255 . The device 200 transmits the message using with too much traffic , the LED illumination device 200 50 at least one of powerline , radio frequency , and light modu transmits or retransmits the message using the others of the lation . In an embodiment, the device 200 transmits the physical layers . message using all of powerline , radio frequency, and light Further, in high density living areas, such as multi- modulation . dwelling units , the RF signals may propagate beyond the following the Group Broadcast message, the transmitting boundaries of the dwelling . Such situations may limit the 55 device 200 sends a Direct Group -cleanup message individu number of radio frequency retransmissions and the LED ally to each member of the group in its database . At step 815 illumination unit 200 intelligently forces the use of radio the device 200 first sets the message To Address to that of frequency and light modulation signaling . the first member of the group , then it sends a Direct Referring to FIG . 4C , at step 410 , the process 450 looks Group - cleanup message to that addressee at step 820 . If at the message traffic on the communication network 100 . At 60 Group -cleanup messages have been sent to every member of step 414 , the powerline traffic is compared to a powerline the group , as determined at step 825 , transmission is finished traffic threshold . If the amount of message traffic on the at step 835 . Otherwise , the device sets the message To network on the power line layer is greater than the threshold , Address to that of the nextmember of the group and sends the process 400 transmits or retransmits the message using the next Group -cleanup message to that addressee at step one or more of RF signaling and light modulation signaling 65 820 . at step 416 . If the threshold is not met, the process 450 FIG . 6 illustrates a process 600 to transmit direct mes finishes at step 430 . sages with retries to a device 200 within the communication US 9 ,755 ,744 B2 15 network 100 . Direct messages can be retried multiple times FIG . 9 shows message receiver 1520 of FIG . 7 in greater if an expected ACK is not received from the addressee . The detail and illustrates the device 200 receiving a message process begins at step 910 . from the powerline . The modem receive circuitry 1515 of At step 915 , the device 200 sends a Direct or a Direct FIG . 7 conditions the signal on the powerline and transforms Group - cleanup message to an addressee . At step 920 the 5 it into a digital data stream that the firmware in FIG . 9 device 200 waits for an Acknowledge message from the processes to retrieve messages. Raw data 1710 from the addressee . If at step 925 an Acknowledge message is powerline is typically very noisy, because the received received and it contains an ACK with the expected status , signal can have an amplitude as low as a only few millivolts , the process is finished at step 945 . and the powerline often carries high - energy noise spikes or If at step 925 an Acknowledge message is not received , or 10 other noise of its own. Therefore , in a preferred embodi if it is not satisfactory , a Retry Counter is tested at step 930 . ment, a Costas phase locked loop (PLL ) 1720 , implemented If the maximum number of retries has already been in firmware , is used to find the BPSK signal within the noise . attempted , the process fails at step 945 . In an embodiment , Costas PLLs , well known in the art, phase - lock to a signal devices 200 default to a maximum number of retries of five . 1 both in phase and in quadrature . The phase -lock detector If fewer than five retries have been tried at step 930 the 1725 provides one input to the window timer 1745 , which device 200 increments its Retry Counter at step 935 . At step also receives a zero crossing signal 1750 and an indication 940 the device 200 will also increment the Max Hops field that a start code in a packet has been found by start code in the Message Flags byte , up to a maximum of three , in an detector 1740 . attempt to achieve greater range for themessage by retrans - 20 Whether it is phase- locked or not, the Costas PLL 1720 mitting it more times by more devices. The message is sent sends data to the bit sync detector 1730 . When the sync bits again at step 915 . of alternating ones and zeros at the beginning of a packet The devices 200 comprise hardware and firmware that arrive, the bit sync detector 1730 will be able to recover a bit enable the devices 200 to send and receive messages . FIG . clock , which it uses to shift data into data shift register 1735 . 7 is a block diagram of the LED illumination device 200 25 The start code detector 1740 looks for the start code fol illustrating the overall flow of information related to sending lowing the sync bits and outputs a detect signal to the and receiving messages . Received signals 1510 come from window timer 1745 after it has found one. The window timer the powerline, via radio frequency, or via light modulation . 1745 determines that a valid packet is being received when Signal conditioning circuitry 1515 processes the raw signal the data stream begins 800 microseconds before the pow and converts it into a digital bitstream . Message receiver 30 erline zero . firmware 1520 processes the bitstream as required and FIG . 10 illustrates an exemplary 131 .65 KHz powerline places the message payload data into a buffer 1525 which is carrier signal with alternating BPSK bit modulation . Each available to the application running on the device 200 . The bit uses ten cycles of carrier. Bit 1110 , interpreted as a one , message controller 1550 tells the application that data is begins with a positive - going carrier cycle. Bit 2 1120 , available using control flags 1555 . 35 interpreted as a zero , begins with a negative - going carrier To send a message , the application places message data in cycle . Bit 3 1130 , begins with a positive - going carrier cycle , a buffer 1545 , then tells the message controller 1550 to send so it is interpreted as a one . Note that the sense of the bit the message using control flags 1555 . The message trans - interpretations is arbitrary . That is , ones and zeros could be mitter firmware 1540 processes the message into a raw reversed as long as the interpretation is consistent. Phase bitstream , which it feeds to the transmitter section of the 40 transitions only occur when a bitstream changes from a zero modem 1535 . The modem transmitter sends the bitstream as to a one or from a one to a zero . A one followed by another a powerline , radio frequency signal, or light modulation one , or a zero followed by another zero , will not cause a signal 1530 . phase transition . This type of coding is known as NRZ , or FIG . 8 shows message transmitter 1540 of FIG . 7 in nonreturn to zero . greater detail and illustrates the device 200 sending a 45 FIG . 10 shows abrupt phase transitions of 180 degrees at message on the powerline . The application first composes a the bit boundaries 1115 and 1125 . Abrupt phase transitions message 1610 to be sent, excluding the CRC byte , and puts introduce troublesome high - frequency components into the the message data in the transmit buffer 1615 . The application signal' s spectrum . Phase - locked detectors can have trouble then tells the transmit controller 1625 to send the message by tracking such a signal . To solve this problem , the powerline setting appropriate control flags 1620 . The transmit control - 50 encoding process uses a gradual phase change to reduce the ler 1625 packetizes the message data by using multiplexer unwanted frequency components . 1635 to put sync bits and a start code from generator 1630 FIG . 11 illustrates the powerline BPSK signal of FIG . 10 at the beginning of a packet followed by data shifted out of with gradual phase shifting of the transitions . The transmit the first - in first -out ( FIFO ) transmit buffer 1615 . ter introduces the phase change by inserting 1 . 5 cycles of As the message data is shifted out of FIFO 1615 , a cyclic 55 carrier at 1 . 5 times the 131 .65 KHz frequency . Thus, in the redundancy check (CRC ) generator 1630 calculates the CRC time taken by one cycle of 131. 65 KHz, three half -cycles of byte , which is appended to the bitstream by multiplexer carrier will have occurred , so the phase of the carrier is 1635 as the last byte in the last packet of the message . The reversed at the end of the period due to the odd number of bitstream is buffered in a shift register 1640 and clocked out half -cycles . Note the smooth transitions 1115 and 1125 . in phase with the powerline zero crossings detected by zero 60 In an embodiment, the powerline packets comprise 24 crossing detector 1645 . The BPSK modulator 1655 shifts the bits . Since a bit takes ten cycles of 131. 65 KHz carrier, there phase of the 131 .65 KHz carrier from carrier generator 1650 are 240 cycles of carrier in a packet, meaning that a packet by 180 degrees for zero -bits , and leaves the carrier unmodu - lasts 1 . 823 milliseconds. The powerline environment is lated for one -bits . Note that the phase is shifted gradually notorious for uncontrolled noise , especially high -amplitude over one carrier period as disclosed in conjunction with FIG . 65 spikes caused by motors , dimmers and compact fluorescent 11 . Finally, the modulated carrier signal is applied to the lighting . This noise is minimal during the time that the powerline by the modem transmit circuitry 1535 of FIG . 7 . current on the powerline reverses direction , a time known as US 9 ,755 ,744 B2 17 18 the powerline zero crossing . Therefore , the packets are and clocked out to the RF transceiver 1955 . The RF trans transmitted near the zero crossing . ceiver 1955 generates an RF carrier , translates the bits in the FIG . 12 illustrates powerline signaling applied to the message into Manchester -encoded symbols , FM modulates power line . Powerline cycle 1205 possesses two zero cross the carrier with the symbol stream , and transmits the result ings 1210 and 1215 . A packet 1220 is at zero crossing 1210 5 ing RF signal using antenna 1960 . In a preferred embodi and a second packet 1225 is at zero crossing 1215 . In an ment, the RF transceiver 1955 is a single - chip hardware embodiment, the packets 1210 , 1215 begin 800 microsec device and the other blocks in the figure are implemented in onds before a zero crossing and last until 1023 microseconds after the zero crossing . firmware running on the processor 1925 . In some embodiments , the powerline transmission pro - 10 FIG . 16 is a block diagram illustrating the device 200 cess waits for one or two additional zero crossings after receiving a message from the radio frequency signaling . The sending a message to allow time for potential RF retrans steps are similar to those for receiving powerline messages mission of the message by devices 200 . given in FIG . 9 , except that radio frequency messages are FIG . 13 illustrates an exemplary series of five- packet sent all at once in a single packet . In FIG . 16 , the RF standard messages 1310 being sent on the powerline signal 1515 transceiver 2015 receives an RF transmission from antenna 1305 . In an embodiment, the powerline transmission process 2010 and FM demodulates it to recover the baseband waits for at least one zero crossing 1320 after each standard Manchester symbols . The sync bits at the beginning of the packet before sending another packet. FIG . 14 illustrates an message allow the transceiver to recover a bit clock , which exemplary series of eleven -packet extended messages 1330 it uses to recover the data bits from theManchester symbols . being sent on the powerline signal 1305 . In another embodi- 20 The transceiver outputs the bit clock and the recovered data ment, the powerline transmission process waits for at least bits to shift register 2020 , which accumulates the bitstream two zero crossings 1340 after each extended packet before in the message . sending another packet. In other embodiments, the power The start code detector 2025 looks for the start code line transmission process does not wait for extra zero following the sync bits at the beginning of the message and crossings before sending another packet . 25 outputs a detect signal 2060 to the processor 2065 after it has In some embodiments , standard messages contain 120 found one. The start detect flag 2060 enables the receive raw data bits and use six zero crossings , or 50 milliseconds buffer controller 2030 to begin accumulating message data to send . In some embodiments , extended messages contain 264 raw data bits and use thirteen zero crossings , or 108 . 33 from shift register 2020 into the FIFO receive buffer 2035 . milliseconds to send . Therefore, the actual raw bitrate is 30 The storage controller 2030 insures that the FIFO 2035 only 2 ,400 bits per second for standard messages , and 2 ,437 bits stores the data bytes in a message , and not the sync bits or per second for extended messages, instead of the 2880 bits start code . It stores 10 bytes for a standard message and 24 per second the bitrate would be without waiting for the extra for an extended message , by inspecting the Extended Mes zero crossings . sage bit in the Message Flags byte . In some embodiments, standard messages contain 9 bytes 35 When the correct number of bytes has been accumulated , ( 72 bits ) of usable data , not counting packet sync and start a HaveMsg flag 2055 is set to indicate a message has been code bytes, nor the message CRC byte . In some embodi - received . The CRC checker 2040 computes a CRC on the ments , extended messages contain 23 bytes ( 184 bits ) of received data and compares it to the CRC in the received usable data using the same criteria . Therefore , the bitrates message . If they match , the CRC OK flag 2045 is set. When for usable data are further reduced to 1440 bits per second 40 the HaveMsg flag 2055 and the CRC OK flag 2045 are both for standard messages and 1698 bits per second for extended set , the message data is ready to be sent to processor 2065 . messages. Counting only the 14 bytes ( 112 bits ) of User In a preferred embodiment, the RF transceiver 2015 is a Data in extended messages , the User Data bitrate is 1034 bits single - chip hardware device and the other blocks in the per second figure are implemented in firmware running on the processor The LED devices 200 can send and receive the same 45 2065 . messages that appear on the powerline using radio frequency FIG . 17 is a table 1700 of exemplary specifications for RF signaling . Unlike powerline messages, however, messages signaling within the communication network 100 . In an sent by radio frequency are not broken up into smaller embodiment, the center frequency lies in the band of packets sent at powerline zero crossings , but instead are sent approximately 902 to 924 MHz , which is permitted for whole . As with power line, in an embodiment, there are two 50 non - licensed operation in the United States. In certain radio frequency message lengths: standard 10 -byte mes - embodiments , the center frequency is approximately 915 sages and extended 24 -byte messages . MHz. Each bit is Manchester encoded , meaning that two FIG . 15 is a block diagram illustrating the device 200 symbols are sent for each bit. A one - symbol followed by a transmitting a message using radio frequency signaling . The zero - symbol designates a one -bit , and a zero -symbol fol steps are similar to those for sending powerline messages in 55 lowed by a one -symbol designates a zero -bit . FIG . 8 , except that radio frequency messages are sent all at Symbols are modulated onto the carrier using frequency once in a single packet . In FIG . 15 , processor 1925 com - shift keying ( FSK ), where a zero -symbol modulates the poses a message to send , excluding the CRC byte , and stores carrier half the FSK deviation frequency downward and a the message data into transmit buffer 1915 . The processor one -symbol modulates the carrier half the FSK deviation 1925 uses multiplexer 1935 to add sync bits and a start code 60 frequency upward . The FSK deviation frequency is approxi from generator 1930 at the beginning of the radio frequency mately 64 KHz. In other embodiments , the FSK deviation message followed by data shifted out of the first- in first- out frequency is between approximately 100 KHz and 200 KHz. ( FIFO ) transmit buffer 1915 . In other embodiments the FSK deviation frequency is less As the message data is shifted out of FIFO 1915 , a CRC than 64 KHz. In further embodiment, the FSK deviation generator 1930 calculates the CRC byte , which is appended 65 frequency is greater than 200 KHz . Symbols are modulated to the bitstream by multiplexer 1935 as the last byte of the onto the carrier at 38 ,400 symbols per second , resulting in a message . The bitstream is buffered in a shift register 1940 raw data rata of half that , or 19 , 200 bits per second . The US 9 , 755 , 744 B2 19 20 typical range for free - space reception is 150 feet, which is detector demodulator 2210 . The photo detector demodulator reduced in the presence of walls and other RF energy 2210 demodulates the electrical signal to recover the data absorbers . symbols . In other embodiments , other encoding schemes , such as Controller 2215 receives the bitstream . The sync bits at return to zero (RZ ) , Nonreturn to Zero - Level (NRZ - L ) , 5 the beginning of the message allow the controller 2215 to Nonreturn to Zero Inverted (NRZI ) , Bipolar Alternate Mark recover a bit clock , which it uses to recover the data bits Inversion ( AMI) , Pseudoternary , differential Manchester, from the symbols . The controller 2215 outputs the bit clock and the recovered data bits to a shift register 2220 , which Amplitude Shift Keying ( ASK ), Phase Shift Keying (PSK ), accumulates the bitstream in the message . and the like , could be used . hit 10 Similar to the RF signaling circuitry, a start code detector Devices 200 transmit data with the most - significant bit 2225 looks for the start code following the sync bits at the sent first . In an embodiment, RF messages begin with two beginning of the message and outputs a detect signal 2260 sync bytes comprising AAAA in hexadecimal , followed by to the processor 2265 after it has found one . The start detect a start code byte of C3 in hexadecimal . Ten data bytes follow flag 2265 enables a receive buffer controller 2230 to begin in standard messages , or twenty - four data bytes in extended to15 accumulating message data from shift register 2220 into a messages . The last data byte in a message is a CRC over the FIFO receive buffer 2235 . A storage controller 2230 insures data bytes as disclosed above. that the FIFO 2235 only stores the data bytes in a message , It takes 5 .417 milliseconds to send a 104 -bit standard and not the sync bits or start code . It stores 10 bytes for a message , and 11. 250 milliseconds to send a 216 -bit extended standard message and 24 for an extended message, by message . Zero crossings on the powerline occur every 8 .333 20 inspecting the Extended Message bit in the Message Flags milliseconds, so a standard RF message can be sent during byte . one powerline half- cycle and an extended RF message can When the correct number of bytes has been accumulated , be sent during two powerline half - cycles. The waiting times a HaveMsg flag 2255 is set to indicate a message has been after sending powerline messages, as shown in FIGS . 13 and received . A CRC checker 2240 computes a CRC on the 14 , are to allow sufficient time for devices 200 to retransmit 25 received data and compares it to the CRC in the received a powerline message . message . If they match , a CRC OK flag 2245 is set . When The LED devices 200 can send and receive the same the HaveMsg flag 2255 and the CRC OK flag 2265 are both messages that appear on the powerline and via RF using set, the message data is ready to be sent to processor 2265 . light modulation signaling . Unlike powerline messages , FIGS. 20A and 20B are an exemplary schematic diagram however, messages sent by lightmodulation are not broken 30 of an LED illumination device 2300 configured to transmit up into smaller packets sent at powerline zero crossings, but and receive messages over the communication network 100 instead are sent whole , similar to the messages sent by RF. via powerline signaling and RF signaling , and transmit As with powerline and RF, in an embodiment, there are two modulated light encoded messages . In an embodiment , the light modulation message lengths: standard 10 -byte mes - one or more of the circuit stages and circuit elements of sages and extended 24 -byte messages . 35 FIGS. 20A and 20B can be incorporated within the glass FIG . 18 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary cir - envelope of the illumination device 2300 . In the illustrated cuitry 201 to transmit messages via modulation of light from embodiment, the illumination device 2300 comprises a the LED illumination device 200 . The steps for transmitting power supply and power line communication ( PLC ) inter are similar to those for sending RF messages, in that the face components . messages are sent all at once in a single packet. 40 The power supply comprises a 120 VAC to 20 V non Processor 2125 composes a message to send , excluding isolated power supply 2310 and a 20 V to 3 . 3 V switch the CRC byte , and stores the message data into a transmit power supply 2320 configured to generate voltages used by buffer 2115 . The processor 2125 uses a multiplexer 1935 to the circuitry and the LED array . The power supply 2310 add sync bits and a start code from a generator 2130 at the comprises a bridge rectifier and a power switcher, such as, beginning of the light modulation message followed by data 45 for example an MB4S from Fairchild Semiconductor, Inc . shifted out of a first - in first - out ( FIFO ) transmit buffer 2115 . and a LNK306 from Power Integrations , Inc . respectively , As the message data is shifted out of the FIFO 2115 , a and the like . The power supply 2320 comprises a buck boost CRC generator 2130 calculates the CRC byte, which is switching regulator, such as, for example , MC33063ADR appended to the bitstream by the multiplexer 2135 as the last from Texas Instruments , Inc . , and the like . byte of the message . The bitstream is buffered in a shift 50 The power line communication (PLC ) interface compo register 2140 and clocked out to the LED driver 2120 . In an nents comprise a powerline transceiver circuit 2330 , a embodiment, the LED driver 2120 pulse wavemodulates the powerline switching coupler 2340 , and a zero crossing power signal to the LED array 2125 . LED array 2125 emits detector 2350 . The powerline transceiver circuit 2330 sends pulse wave modulated light which includes the encoded powerline data to the controller 2370 . The powerline switch message . In another embodiment, the controller 2110 and 55 ing coupler 2340 receives the line voltage . In an embodi the LED driver 2120 BPSK encode the message onto a ment, the powerline switching coupler 2340 comprises a carrier signal, such as the carrier signal used for the power transformer such as, for example , an intermediate frequency line signaling, and modulate the carrier signal onto the light transformer IFT -7SB - 4268 - 05 - LF having coil ratios of emitted from the LED array 2145 . approximately 11 /213 . 5 /64 . The zero crossing detector 2350 FIG . 19 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary cir - 60 detects the zero crossings of the line voltage . In an embodi cuitry 201 to receive messages via modulation of light from ment , the zero crossing detector 2350 comprises a compara an LED illumination device 200 . The steps for receiving are tor, such as, for example , a LMV321 by Texas Instruments , similar to those for sending RF messages, in that the Inc ., and the like . messages are received all at once in a single packet . The illumination device 2300 further comprises a radio Optical sensor 2205 receives data encoded modulated 65 circuit 2360 , a CPU controller 2370 and memory 2380 , an light and converts the data encoded modulated light to a LED driver 2395 , and an LED array 2390 . The radio circuit modulated electrical signal which is received by a photo 2360 provides the RF physical layer and transmits and US 9 , 755 , 744 B2 22 receives RF encoded messages. In an embodiment, the radio processes or blocks are presented in a given order , alterna circuit 2360 comprises a microcontroller and a transceiver, tive embodiments may perform routines having steps , or such as for example , a PIC16F688 and a MRF49XA - I/ ST by employ systems having blocks , in a different order, and Microchip Technology, Inc . , and the like . some processes or blocks may be deleted , moved , added , The CPU controller 2370 processes the transmit and the 5 subdivided , combined , and /or modified . Each of these pro receive messages . In an embodiment, the CPU controller cesses or blocks may be implemented in a variety of comprises a PIC18F25J10 - I /ML by Microchip Technology , different ways. Also , while processes or blocks are at times Inc ., and the like . The memory 2380 associate with the shown as being performed in series , these processes or controller 2370 can be , for example , ROM , RAM , blocks may instead be performed in parallel, or may be EEPROM , EPROM , and the like , capable of storing data and 10 performed at different times . programming . In an embodiment, the memory 2380 com - The teachings of the invention provided herein can be prises , for example , a serial EEPROM 24LC32AI/ SN by applied to other systems, not necessarily the systems Microchip Technology, Inc . , and the like . described above . The elements and acts of the various The LED driver 2395 receives message data from the embodiments described above can be combined to provide controller 2370 drives the LED array 2390 to transmit 15 further embodiments . modulated light with the encoded message . In an embodi While certain embodiments of the inventions have been ment, the LED driver comprises, for example , an AL9910 by described , these embodiments have been presented by way Diodes, Inc . , and the like . The LED array 2390 comprises of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of one or more LEDs, such as for example, and the like . the disclosure . Indeed , the novel methods and systems The LED lighting module 200 optionally comprises a 20 described herein may be embodied in a variety of other temperature sensor 2385 and a speaker circuit 2397 . In an forms; furthermore , various omissions, substitutions and embodiment, the temperature sensor 2385 can be used to changes in the form of the methods and systems described monitor the temperature of the device circuitry such that the herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the controller 2370 shuts off the LEDs when the temperature is disclosure . The accompanying claims and their equivalents too hot. In an embodiment , the speaker 2397 can be used to 25 are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would notify users of overheating , to provide feedback , such as fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure . when a link with another device is established , and the like . What is claimed is: Unless the context clearly requires otherwise , throughout 1 . An illumination device to illuminate a space and react the description and the claims, the words “ comprise , " " com - to and transmit messages, the illumination device compris prising , " and the like are to be construed in an inclusive 30 ing : sense , as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense ; that an enclosure ; is to say, in the sense of “ including , but not limited to . ” The receiving circuitry disposed within the enclosure and words " coupled ” or “ connected ” , as generally used herein , configured to receive coded messages by radio signals refer to two or more elements that may be either directly in free space , electrically conducted signals by wire , connected , or connected by way of one or more intermediate 35 and light wave propagated signals in free space ; elements . Additionally , the words “ herein , ” “ above, " processing circuitry disposed within the enclosure and “ below , " and words of similar import, when used in this configured to process the coded messages; and application , shall refer to this application as a whole and not transmitting circuitry disposed within the enclosure and to any particular portions of this application . Where the configured to perform a first transmission that transmits context permits , words in the above Detailed Description 40 the coded messages by the radio signals in free space , using the singular or plural number may also include the the electrically conducted signals by wire , and the light plural or singular number respectively . The word “ or ” in wave propagated signals in free space ; and reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to of the following interpretations of the word : any of the items read message bits representing a media counter in one in the list , all of the items in the list , and any combination 45 or more of the coded messages when the one or more of the items in the list. the coded messages is to be retransmitted with a second Moreover, conditional language used herein , such as , transmission . among others, “ can , ” “ could ,” " might, ” “ may, ” “ e . g ., " " for 2 . The illumination device of claim 1 wherein the pro example, " " such as ” and the like, unless specifically stated cessing circuitry is further configured to determine whether otherwise , or otherwise understood within the context as 50 the one or more coded messages is to be retransmitted with used , is generally intended to convey that certain embodi- the second transmission . ments include , while other embodiments do not include , 3 . The illumination device of claim 1 wherein the pro certain features , elements and/ or states . Thus , such condi- cessing circuitry is further configured to determine which tional language is not generally intended to imply that one of the radio signals in free space , the electrically features , elements and / or states are in any way required for 55 conducted signals by wire , and the light wave propagated one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments signals in free space is to be used when the one or more necessarily include logic for deciding , with or without coded messages is retransmitted with the second transmis author input or prompting , whether these features, elements sion . and / or states are included or are to be performed in any 4 . The illumination device of claim 3 wherein the pro particular embodiment. 60 cessing circuitry is configured to update a media counter in The above detailed description of certain embodiments is the retransmitted message to sequence through the transmis not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the sion media used by the transmitting circuitry in the second precise form disclosed above . While specific embodiments transmission . of, and examples for, the invention are described above for 5 . The illumination device of claim 1 wherein the trans illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are 65 mitting circuitry is further configured to retransmit the coded possible within the scope of the invention , as those ordinary message with the second transmission according to a trans skilled in the relevant art will recognize . For example , while mission medium indicated in the media counter. US 9 , 755 , 744 B2 23 24 6 . The illumination device of claim 5 wherein the trans 13 . The method of claim 10 further comprising retrans mission medium of the second transmission comprises one mitting with a second transmission the coded message with of the radio signals in free space , the electrically conducted signals by wire, and the light wave propagated signals in free the electrical circuitry disposed within the enclosure of the space . illumination device using a different one of the radio signals 7 . The illumination device of claim 1 wherein the trans 5 in free space , the electrically conducted signals by wire , and mitting circuitry is further configured to retransmit the coded the light wave propagated signals in free space for each message with the second transmission using a different one subsequent retransmission . of the radio signals in free space , the electrically conducted 14 . A system to illuminate a space and react to and signals by wire , and the light wave propagated signals in free 10 transmit messages , the system comprising: space for each subsequent retransmission . a mesh network configured to transmit and receive mes 8 . The illumination device of claim 1 further comprising sages using one or more of powerline signaling and one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs ) disposed within radio frequency signaling , the powerline signaling the enclosure . comprising message data modulated onto a carrier 9 . The illumination device of claim 1 wherein the light 15 signal and the modulated carrier signal added to a wave propagated signals in free space comprise modulated powerline waveform , the radio frequency signaling light encoded messages . comprising the message data modulated onto an RF 10 . A method to illuminate a space and react to and signal; and transmit messages, the method comprising: at least one illumination device comprising an enclosure , receiving coded messages with electrical circuitry dis - 20 receiving circuitry disposed with the enclosure and posed within an enclosure of an illumination device , configured to receive coded messages by the radio the electrical circuitry configured to receive the coded frequency signaling, the powerline signaling, and light messages by radio signals in free space, electrically wave propagated signals in free space , processing cir conducted signals by wire , and lightwave propagated cuitry disposed within the enclosure and configured to signals in free space ; process the coded messages, and transmitting circuitry processing the coded messages with the electrical cir 25 disposed within the enclosure and configured to trans cuitry disposed within the enclosure of the illumination mit with a first transmission the coded messages by the device; and radio frequency signaling , the powerline signaling , and transmitting with a first transmission the coded messages the light wave propagated signals in free space, with the electrical circuitry disposed within the enclo - 30 wherein the at least one illumination device reads one sure of the illumination device, the electrical circuitry 30 or more message bits representing a media counter in at further configured to transmit the coded messages by least one or more of the coded messages . the radio signals in free space , the electrically con 15 . The system of claim 14 wherein the transmitting ducted signals by wire , and the light wave propagated circuitry is further configured to retransmit with a second signals in free space ; and transmission the coded message according to a transmission reading one or more message bits representing a media: . 35 medium indicated in the media counter . counter in at least one or more of the coded messages . 16 . The system of claim 15 wherein the transmission 11 . The method of claim 10 further comprising retrans medium of the second transmission that retransmits the one mitting with a second transmission the coded message with or more coded messages comprises one of the radio fre the electrical circuitry disposed within the enclosure of the 40 quency signaling , the powerline signaling, and the light illumination device , wherein the media counter indicates 0 wave propagated signals in free space . which one of the radio signals in free space , the electrically 17 . The system of claim 14 wherein the transmitting conducted signals by wire, and the light wave propagated circuitry is further configured to retransmit a second trans signals in free space is to be used when the coded message mission the coded message using a different one of the radio is retransmitted with the second transmission . frequency signaling , the powerline signaling , and the light 12 . The method of claim 11 further comprising updating wave propagated signals in free space for each subsequent the media counter in the retransmitted message of the second retransmission . transmission to sequence through the one of the radio signals 18 . The system of claim 14 wherein the light wave in free space , the electrically conducted signals by wire, and propagated signals in free space comprise modulated light the light wave propagated signals in free space used by the encoded messages . electrical circuitry . * * * *