4. DESCRIPTION:

Technical Field of the Invention

[1] The present invention generally relates to a system and method for remotely monitoring and operating a multiple street light units through a hybrid communication network.

Background of the Invention

[2] Generally, street lights are strategic assets for illuminating roads, pedestrian paths, and public areas to allow a safe and convenient travel, and additionally to an enhanced security to residences, businesses and city centers during night time. Street lighting is particularly a critical concern for public authorities in developing countries because of its strategic importance for economic and social stability.

[3] Typically, today's street lighting system for the cities has become mammoth in size and managing and maintaining them is a challenge. It is difficult to operate the street lights distributed in a wide geographic area. The street lights have become a major source of energy consumption. The improper maintenance of the street lights results in increasing light replacements due to continuous functioning of the street lights even at undesired time (day time). The existing street lighting system needs manpower and service trucks for onsite maintenance operations. The existing street lighting system includes outdated luminaires to retrofit. The most common reasons for inefficient street lighting systems include selection of inefficient luminaires, poor design and installation, poor power quality, poor operation and maintenance practice.

[4] Conventionally, a most common and easiest way to monitor the functionality of street lights is by visual checking and manually resolving faults of the street light system. A manual inspection is highly tedious, laborious, time-consuming and therefore highly inefficient. Further the conventional manual management with its delayed maintenance fails to provide real time controlling of the street light system. Hence, the conventional manual management has become an ineffective method of monitoring and maintenance task.

[5] Typically, functioning of the street light system is automated by designing automatic street lights which performs a task dependent on the time or on environmental conditions. These devices are often cheaper to operate and more reliable than manually operated devices. But, usage of the automatic street lamps became limited as they react to ambient light conditions by turning on at dusk and turning off at dawn. The functioning of the automatic street lamps result in an unnecessary turning on of the automatic street lamps when they are not needed and significantly increasing the operating cost. The working condition of these automatic street lamps is manually monitored and further faults of the automatic street lamps are recognized only at the night time.
[6] Typically, power line communication methods have been employed for controlling the street lights. But, it is impossible for the power line communication techniques to control street lamps when an electric leakage occurs, as the electric leakage cause the power source to be cut off thereby disabling power supply to the street lights. The power line communication methods cuts off the power source of the distribution panel connected to group of the street lamps in an area on finding abnormal street lamps. So the street lamps cannot perform the respective functions of illumination. An individual control for the abnormal street lamp cannot be implemented in the power line communication method.

[7] Presently, a rapid development of technology has changed the way of monitoring streetlight from the conventional method to a remote and distributed method to effectively operate and maintain the street light system which spread over a large area from one or more remote locations. Indeed, operation and management from the remote location is more cost- effective. This necessity enabled to develop various systems and methods to remotely monitor and control the street light system. Specifically, remote management of the street light system includes a monitoring and control unit secured in each of the street lights positioned in a predetermined area for transmission of monitoring data and reception of control information to/from a base station. Signal transmission between the monitoring and control unit and the base station is accomplished at a predefined radio frequency. But, some significant problems occurred in implementation of the above mentioned remote controlling of the street light system. The long distance transmission of signals involves significant power consumption in the street light monitoring and control units. The transmission of signals is blocked by large objects such as buildings and there is no provision for alternate routing of transmitted signals when such blocking occurs.

[8] Thus, there exists a need to provide a cost effective, efficient system and a method to remotely monitor and control performance of multiple street lights distributed over a predetermined area through a communication network and further to provide a way to indicate potential problems of the street lights to managing authorities.

Brief Summary of the Invention

[9] The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding to the reader. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure and it does not identify key/critical elements of the invention or delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts disclosed herein in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[10] A more complete appreciation of the present invention and the scope thereof can be obtained from the accompanying drawings which are briefly summarized below and the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments.

[11] A system and method for remotely monitoring and operating a plurality of street light units through a hybrid communication network are disclosed. According to a first aspect of the present invention, a system for remotely monitoring and operating the plurality of street light units through the hybrid communication network includes at least one light monitoring module coupled to at least one street light unit among the plurality of street light units, whereby the at least one light monitoring module including at least one sensing unit, at least one control unit, at least one short range communication unit, and at least one relay driving unit. The at least one light monitoring module detects, stores, processes and transmits the operating characteristics of the at least one street light unit and an identification code associated with the at least one street light unit to the plurality of servers through the at least one digital interface module. The at least one light monitoring module detects, stores, processes and transmits the operating characteristics of the at least one street light unit in response to a reception of at least one first control signal from the plurality of servers through the at least one digital interface module. The at least one light monitoring module controls the at least one street light unit of the street light pole in response to the reception of the at least one second control signal from the plurality of servers through the at least one digital interface module.

[00121 According to the first aspect of the present invention, the system for remotely monitoring and operating the plurality of street light units through the hybrid communication network includes a central monitoring station for monitoring and controlling the at least one street light unit through the at least one light monitoring module, whereby the central monitoring station further including a plurality of servers, and at least one data base. The plurality of servers receives the operating characteristics of the at least one street light unit along with the identification code associated with the at least one street light unit for analyzing the operating characteristics and generating at least one second control signal. The at least one data base stores at least one of the operating characteristics of the plurality of street light units, the identification code associated with the street light unit, a data associated with the at least one light monitoring module, a data associated with the group of digital interface modules and a data associated with the plurality of servers.

[0013] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the system for remotely monitoring and operating the plurality of street light units through the hybrid communication network includes a group of digital interface modules serving as an interface between the at least one light monitoring module and the central monitoring station, whereby at least one digital interface module among the group of digital interface modules further including at least one long range communication unit, at least one control unit, at least one energy meter, at least one display unit, at least one dimming unit, at least one memory unit, and at least one user interface. The at least one digital interface module transmits the operating characteristics of the at least one street light unit from the at least one light monitoring module in response to the reception of the at least one first control signal from the plurality of servers and further receives the at least one second control signal from the plurality of servers. The at least one digital interface module enables the at least one light monitoring module to receive the at least one first control signal and the at least one second control signal based on the identification code associated with the at least one street light unit. The at least one digital interface module displays the operating characteristics of the plurality of street light units received from the at least one light monitoring module. The at least one digital interface module stores data associated with the at least one light monitoring module, the operating characteristics of the at least one street light unit, and the identification code associated to the at least one street light unit. The at least one digital interface module activates at least one dimming unit to control the operating characteristics of the plurality of street light units. The at least one user interface coupled to the at least one digital interface module for operating the at least one light monitoring module. The at least one digital interface module receives and processes the at least one first control signal and the at least one second control signal.

[14] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for remotely monitoring and operating a plurality of street light units through a hybrid communication network includes a step of monitoring and controlling at least one street light unit among the plurality of street light units through at least one light monitoring module by a central monitoring station including a plurality of servers, at least one data base, whereby the at least one light monitoring module coupled to the at least one street light unit.

[15] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the method for remotely monitoring and operating the plurality of street light units through the hybrid communication network includes a step of transmitting at least one first control signal to the at least one light monitoring module from the plurality of servers through at least one digital interface module, whereby the at least one first control signal enables the at least one light monitoring module to transmit operating characteristics of the at least one street light unit to the plurality of servers through the at least one digital interface module. A step of transmitting the operating characteristics of the at least one street light unit from the at least one light monitoring module by the at least one digital interface module in response to the reception of the at least one first control signal from the plurality of servers and further receives the at least one second control signal from the plurality of servers. A step of enabling the at least one light monitoring module to receive the at least one first control signal and the at least one second control signal based on the identification code associated with the at least one street light unit by the at least one digital interface module.

[16] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the method for remotely monitoring and operating the plurality of street light units through the hybrid communication network includes a step of receiving the operating characteristics of the at least one street light unit along with an identification code associated with the at least one street light unit by the plurality of servers from the at least one light monitoring module through the at least one digital interface module, whereby the plurality of servers analyze the operating characteristics and generates at least one second control signal.

[17] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the method for remotely monitoring and operating the plurality of street light units through the hybrid communication network includes a step of transmitting the at least one second control signal to at least one light monitoring module through the at least one digital interface module, whereby at least one light monitoring module receives and processes the at least one second control signal.

[18] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the method for remotely monitoring and operating the plurality of street light units through the hybrid communication network includes a step of enabling the at least one light monitoring module to control the at least one street light unit, whereby the at least one light monitoring module enabled by the at least one second control signal.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[19] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this present disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[20] F1G.1 is a diagram depicting an over view of a system for remotely monitoring and operating a multiple remotely located street light units.

[21] F1G.2 is a block diagram depicting a digital interface module.

[22] FIG.3 is a block diagram depicting a light monitoring module.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[23] It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[24] The use of "including", "comprising" or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Further, the use of terms "first", "second", and "third", and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. For a better understanding, components of the described embodiment are labeled with three digit component numbers. In general, the same first digit is used throughout the entire component numbers numbered and labeled within a figure. Like components are designated by like reference numerals throughout the various figures.

[25] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed towards a system and method for remotely monitoring and operating a plurality of street light units through a hybrid communication network. According to a first aspect of the present invention, a system for remotely monitoring and operating the plurality of street light units through the hybrid communication network includes at least one light monitoring module coupled to at least one street light unit among the plurality of street light units, whereby the at least one light monitoring module including at least one sensing unit, at least one control unit, at least one short range communication unit, and at least one relay driving unit. The at least one light monitoring module detects, stores, processes and transmits the operating characteristics of the at least one street light unit and an identification code associated with the at least one street light unit to the plurality of servers through the at least one digital interface module. The at least one light monitoring module detects, stores, processes and transmits the operating characteristics of the at least one street light unit in response to a reception of at least one first control signal from the plurality of servers through the at least one digital interface module. The at least one light monitoring module controls the at least one street light unit of the street light pole in response to the reception of the at least one second control signal from the plurality of servers through the at least one digital interface module.

[26] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the system for remotely monitoring and operating the plurality of street light units through the hybrid communication network includes a central monitoring station for monitoring and controlling the at least one street light unit through the at least one light monitoring module, whereby the central monitoring station further including a plurality of servers, and at least one data base. The plurality of servers receives the operating characteristics of the at least one street light unit along with the identification code associated with the at least one street light unit for analyzing the operating characteristics and generating at least one second control signal. The at least one data base stores at least one of the operating characteristics of the plurality of street light units, the identification code associated with the street light unit, a data associated with the at least one light monitoring module, a data associated with the group of digital interface modules and a data associated with the plurality of servers.

[27] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the system for remotely monitoring and operating the plurality of street light units through the hybrid communication network includes a group of digital interface modules serving as an interface between the at least one light monitoring module and the central monitoring station, whereby at least one digital interface module among the group of digital interface modules further including at least one long range communication unit, at least one control unit, at least one energy meter, at least one display unit, at least one dimming unit, at least one memory unit, and at least one user interface. The at least one digital interface module transmits the operating characteristics of the at least one street light unit from the at least one light monitoring module in response to the reception of the at least one first control signal from the plurality of servers and further receives the at least one second control signal from the plurality of servers. The at least one digital interface module enables the at least one light monitoring module to receive the at least one first control signal and the at least one second control signal based on the identification code associated with the at least one street light unit. The at least one digital interface module displays the operating characteristics of the plurality of street light units received from the at least one light monitoring module. The at least one digital interface module stores data associated with the at least one light monitoring module, the operating characteristics of the at least one street light unit, and the identification code associated to the at least one street light unit. The at least one digital interface module activates at least one dimming unit to control the operating characteristics of the plurality of street light units. The at least one user interface coupled to the at least one digital interface module for operating the at least one light monitoring module. The at least one digital interface module receives and processes the at least one first control signal and the at least one second control signal.

[28] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for remotely monitoring and operating a plurality of street light units through a hybrid communication network includes a step of monitoring and controlling at least one street light unit among the plurality of street light units through at least one light monitoring module by a central monitoring station including a plurality of servers, at least one data base, whereby the at least one light monitoring module coupled to the at least one street light unit.

[29] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the method for remotely monitoring and operating the plurality of street light units through the hybrid communication network includes a step of transmitting at least one first control signal to the at least one light monitoring module from the plurality of servers through at least one digital interface module, whereby the at least one first control signal enables the at least one light monitoring module to transmit operating characteristics of the at least one street light unit to the plurality of servers through the at least one digital interface module. A step of transmitting the operating characteristics of the at least one street light unit from the at least one light monitoring module by the at least one digital interface module in response to the reception of the at least one first control signal from the plurality of servers and further receives the at least one second control signal from the plurality of servers. A step of enabling the at least one light monitoring module to receive the at least one first control signal and the at least one second control signal based on the identification code associated with the at least one street light unit by the at least one digital interface module.

[30] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the method for remotely monitoring and operating the plurality of street light units through the hybrid communication network includes a step of receiving the operating characteristics of the at least one street light unit along with an identification code associated with the at least one street light unit by the plurality of servers from the at least one light monitoring module through the at least one digital interface module, whereby the plurality of servers analyze the operating characteristics and generates at least one second control signal.

[31] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the method for remotely monitoring and operating the plurality of street light units through the hybrid communication network includes a step of transmitting the at least one second control signal to at least one light monitoring module through the at least one digital interface module, whereby at least one light monitoring module receives and processes the at least one second control signal.

[32] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the method for remotely monitoring and operating the plurality of street light units through the hybrid communication network includes a step of enabling the at least one light monitoring module to control the at least one street light unit, whereby the at least one light monitoring module enabled by the at least one second control signal.

[33] Referring to F1G.1 is a diagram 100 depicting an over view of a system for remotely monitoring and operating multiple remotely located street light units. According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system includes multiple light monitoring modules 102a and 102b coupled to multiple street light units of a street light pole, multiple digital interface modules 104a and 104b and a central monitoring station (CMS) 106. The multiple street light units are remotely monitored and controlled by the control monitoring station. The central monitoring station (CMS) 106 includes a database 108, multiple servers 110, and a work station 112. The data base stores operating characteristics of the multiple street light units, an identification code associated with the street light unit (SLU), a data associated with the multiple light monitoring modules 102a and 102b, a data associated with the multiple digital interface modules 104a and 104b and a data associated with the multiple servers. The operating characteristics of the street light unit (SLU) include an ON status, an OFF status, a fault status and an amount of electrical energy utilized by the street light unit.

[34] In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the multiple light monitoring modules 102a and 102b and the multiple digital interface modules 104a and 104b are authenticated to the control monitoring station (CMS) 106. The multiple light monitoring modules 102a and 102b are enabled by the control monitoring station (CMU) 106 to monitor and control the multiple street light units through a multiple digital interface modules. The digital interface module (DIM) serves as an interface between the multiple light monitoring modules 102a and 102b and the central monitoring station (CMU) 106. An authenticated server of the central monitoring station (CMU) 106 enables the light monitoring module (LMM) to control and monitor the street light unit (SLU) by transmitting a first control signal and a second control signal through the digital interface module (DIM). The multiple servers are enabled by the work station 112 to transmit the first control signal and/or the second control signal to the multiple light monitoring modules 102a and 102b through the multiple digital interface modules.

[35] According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the digital interface module (DIM) includes a long range communication unit, a micro controller, a driver, a first relay unit, an output, an energy meter, a power line communication unit, a dimming unit, a second relay unit, a power factor improving unit, a display unit, and an user interface. The digital interface module (DIM) is powered by a power supply. The energy meter electrically and electronically coupled to the digital interface module measures a number of energy units consumed by the multiple street light units associated to the street light pole through the identification code associated with the street light unit (SLU). The digital interface module (DIM) displays the operating characteristics of the multiple street light units received from the multiple light monitoring modules 102a and 102b. The digital interface module (DIM) activates the dimming unit in response to the reception of the second control signal from the authenticated server. The activated dimming unit enables the digital interface module (DIM) to control the operating characteristics of the multiple street light units based on the identification code associated with the street light unit (SLU). The user interface is coupled to the digital interface module for operating the multiple light monitoring modules 102a and 102b based on the identification associated with the street light unit (SLU).

[36] In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the digital interface module (DIM) stores the data associated with the multiple light monitoring modules 102a and 102b, the operating characteristics of the multiple street light units and the identification code associated to the street light unit (SLU). The digital interface module (DIM) receives and processes the first control signal and/or the second control signal transmitted by an authenticated server. The digital interface module (DIM) enables the multiple light monitoring modules 102a and 102b to receive the first control signal or the second control signal based on the identification code associated with the street light unit (SLU).

[37] According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the light monitoring module (LMM) is electrically and electronically coupled to the street light unit (SLU). The light monitoring module (LMM) is powered by a power supply. The light monitoring module (LMM) includes a short range communication unit, a micro controller, a sensing unit, a driving unit, an output. The first control signal transmitted by the authenticated server is received by the light monitoring module (LMM) through the digital interface module (DIM). The light monitoring module (LMM) detects, collects, processes and transmits operating characteristics of the street light unit (SLU) along with the identification code associated with the street light unit (SLU) in response to the reception of the first control signal. The light monitoring module (LMM) stores the operating characteristics of the street light unit (SLU) and the identification code associated with the street light unit (SLU).

[38] In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the authenticated server receives the operating characteristics of the street light unit along with the identification code associated with the street light unit from the light monitoring module (LMM) through the digital interface module (DIM). The authenticated server generates the second control signal by analyzing the operating characteristics of the street light unit. The authenticated server transmits the second control signal to the light monitoring module based on the identification code associated with the street light unit through the digital interface module (DIM). The light monitoring module (LMM) receives and processes the second control signal. The light monitoring module (LMM) controls the street light unit in response to the reception of the second control signal.

[39] According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the multiple light monitoring modules 102a and 102b are communicatively coupled to the multiple digital interface modules 104a and 104b through a short range communication network. The multiple digital interface modules 104a and 104b are communicatively coupled to the control monitoring station through a long range communication network. The long range communication network includes a global system for mobile communication (GSM) network, a general packet radio service (GPRS) network, a public switched telephone (PSTN) network, a broadband over power line, a WI max network, a Wi-Fi network, a fiber optic network and the like. The short range communication network includes a zigbee network, a Wi-Fi network, a 61owPAlM network, a radio frequency network, a power line carrier communication (PLCC) network and the like. The central monitoring station reports street light managing authorities in case critical failure conditions of the system.

[40] Referring to FIG.2 is a block diagram 200 depicting a digital interface module. According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the digital interface module includes a long range communication unit 202, a micro controller unit 204, a driver 206, a relay unit 208, an output 210, an energy meter 212, a power line communication 214, a dimming unit 216, a relay unit 218, a power factor improving unit 220, a display unit 224, an user interface 226. The digital interface module is powered by a power supply 222. The digital interface module serves as an interface between multiple light monitoring modules and a central monitoring station. The central monitoring station enables the light monitoring module to control and monitor a street light unit by transmitting a first control signal and a second control signal through the digital interface module. The central station performs a remote monitoring and controlling of multiple street units through multiple digital interface modules. The multiple light monitoring modules and the multiple digital interface modules are authenticated to the central monitoring station. The central monitoring station includes multiple servers.

[41] In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the digital interface module is communicatively coupled to the multiple light monitoring modules through a short range communication network. The multiple digital interface modules are communicatively coupled to the control monitoring station through a long range communication network. The long range communication network includes a global system for mobile communication (GSM) network, a general packet radio service (GPRS) network, a public switched telephone (PSTN) network, a broadband over power line, a WI max network, a Wi-Fi network, a fiber optic network and the like. The short range communication network includes a zigbee network, a Wi-Fi network, a 61owPAN network, a radio frequency network, a power line carrier communication (PLCC) network and the like.

[42] According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The digital interface module receives and processes the first control signal and/or the second control signal from an authenticated server of the central monitoring station. The digital interface module enables the multiple light monitoring modules to receive the first control signal or the second control signal based on the identification code associated with the street light unit. The light monitoring module transmits the operating characteristics of the street light unit to the central monitoring station through the digital interface module in response to the reception of the first control signal. The light monitoring module controls the operating characteristics of the street light unit in response to the reception of the second control signal from the digital interface module.

[43] In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the energy meter 212 is electrically and electronically coupled to the digital interface module for measuring a number of energy units consumed by the multiple street light units through the identification code associated with the street light unit. The digital interface module stores a data associated with the multiple light monitoring modules, the operating characteristics of the multiple street light units and the identification code associated to the street light unit. The digital interface module displays the operating characteristics of the multiple street light units received from the multiple light monitoring modules. The digital interface module is electrically coupled to the dimming unit 216. The digital interface module activates the dimming unit 216 in response to the reception of the second control signal from the authenticated server. The activated dimming unit enables the digital interface module to control the operating characteristics of the multiple street light units based on the identification code associated with the street light unit. The user interface 226 is electrically coupled to the digital interface module for operating the multiple light monitoring modules from the digital interface unit based on the identification associated with the street light unit.

[44] According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first control signal includes seasonal / daily scheduling to monitoring and transmitting the operating characteristics of the street light unit, a health status of the street light units, a weekly working status report of the multiple digital interface modules and the multiple light monitoring modules authenticated to the central monitoring station, a health status of backup battery. The second control signal includes remote switching 'ON' the street lights, remote switching 'OFF' f the street lights, dimming of the street lights, connecting and disconnecting of the power supply to the digital interface module, setting an operating mode(auto\manual) of the digital interface module, a Pattern lighting (custom lighting), scheduling hold and release for performing manual operations. The light monitoring module and the digital interface module are configured to report a fused state of the street light, a bulb replacement, failure of scheduled operations, power fluctuation, power theft alerts, and failure of light monitoring module to the central monitoring station. The first control signal and the second control signal transmitted from the central monitoring station can be in form of a SMS (short message service) and the like.

[45] Referring to FIG.3 is a block diagram of 300 depicting a light monitoring module. According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the light monitoring module includes a short range communication unit 302, a micro controller 304, a sensing unit 306, a driving unit 308, and an output 310. Multiple street light units are remotely monitored and controlled by a central monitoring station. Multiple light monitoring modules are enabled by the central monitoring station to monitor and control the multiple street light units through multiple digital interface modules. The multiple light monitoring modules and the multiple digital interface modules are authenticated to the central monitoring station. A light monitoring module is electrically and electronically coupled to a street light unit to monitor and control operating characteristics of the street light unit. The operating characteristics of the street light unit include an ON status, an OFF status and an amount of electrical energy utilized by the street light unit. The light monitoring module is powered by a power supply 314.

[46] In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the central monitoring station includes a multiple servers. The light monitoring module receives a first control signal and a second control signal from an authenticated server of the central monitoring station through an authenticated digital interface module to monitor and control the street light unit. The light monitoring module receives the first control signal from the authenticated server of the central monitoring station through the authenticated digital interface module. The first control signal enables the light monitoring module to detect, collect, process and transmit the operating characteristics of the street light unit to the authenticated server through the authenticated digital interface module. The light monitoring module displays the operating characteristics of the street light unit. The light monitoring module stores the operating characteristics of the street light unit and an identification code associated with the street light unit.

[47] In accordance with a non limiting exemplar}' embodiment of the present invention, the authenticated server receives the operating characteristics of the street light unit along with the identification code associated with the street light unit from the light monitoring module through the digital interface module. The authenticated server analyzes the operating characteristics of the street light unit to generate the second control signal. The authenticated server transmits the second control signal to the light monitoring module based on the identification code associated with the street light unit through the authenticated digital interface module.

[48] According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the light monitoring module receives the second control signal from the authenticated server through the authenticated digital interface module. The light monitoring module processes the second control signal and further controls the street light unit in response to the reception of the second control signal.

[49] In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the authenticated digital interface module serves as an interface between the multiple light monitoring modules and the central monitoring station. The control monitoring station controls and monitors the multiple street light units through the multiple digital interface modules. The multiple light monitoring modules are communicatively coupled to the digital interface modules through a short range communication network. The multiple digital interface modules are communicatively coupled to the control monitoring station through a long range communication network. The long range communication network includes a global system for mobile communication (GSM) network, a general packet radio service (GPRS) network, a public switched telephone (PSTN) network, a broadband over power line, a WI max network, a Wi-Fi network, a fiber optic network and the like. The short range communication network includes a zigbee network, a Wi-Fi network, a 61owPAN network, a radio frequency network, a power line carrier communication (PLCC) network and the like.

[50] According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first control signal includes seasonal / daily scheduling to monitoring and transmitting the operating characteristics of the street light unit, a health status of the street light units, a weekly working status report of the multiple digital interface modules and the multiple light monitoring modules authenticated to the central monitoring station, a health status of backup battery. The second control signal includes remote switching 'ON' the street lights, remote switching 'OFF" the street lights, dimming of the street lights, connecting and disconnecting of the power supply to the digital interface module, setting an operating mode(auto\manual) of the digital interface module, a Pattern lighting (custom lighting), scheduling hold and release for performing manual operations. The light monitoring module and the digital interface module are configured to report a fused state of the street light, a bulb replacement, failure of scheduled operations, power fluctuation, power theft alerts, and failure of light monitoring module to the central monitoring station.

[51] As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art the present invention provides a variety of advantages. Firstly, the present invention provides a remote monitoring of multiple remotely located street light units. Secondly, the present invention enables the remote controlling of the multiple remotely located street light units including remote switching (ON/OFF) of the street light units, alternate lighting patterning and dimming of the street units. Thirdly, the present invention facilitates remote real time identification of fused street light units. Fourthly, the present invention conserves the electrical energy by remote switching (ON/OFF). Fifthly, the present invention facilitates drastic reductions in carbon emissions and reduces pollution by the remote switching (ON/OFF) of the street light units. Sixthly, the present invention reduces the operation and maintenance costs with a real time monitoring and controlling of the street units.

[52] While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the inventive principles, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.

5. CLAIMS

What is claimed is

1. A system for remotely monitoring and operating a plurality of street light units through a hybrid communication network, comprising:

at least one light monitoring module coupled to at least one street light unit among the plurality of street light units, whereby the at least one light monitoring module comprising at least one sensing unit; at least one control unit; at least one short range communication unit; and at least one relay driving unit;

a central monitoring station for monitoring and controlling the at least one street light unit through the at least one light monitoring module, whereby the central monitoring station further comprising a plurality of servers; and at least one data base; and

a group of digital interface modules serving as an interface between the at least one light monitoring module and the central monitoring station, whereby at least one digital interface module among the group of digital interface modules further comprising at least one long range communication unit; at least one control unit; at least one energy meter; at least one display unit; at least one dimming unit; at least one memory unit; and at least one user interface.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one light monitoring module detects, stores, processes and transmits the operating characteristics of the at least one street light unit and an identification code associated with the at least one street light unit to the plurality of servers through the at least one digital interface module.

3. The system of claim 6, wherein the at least one light monitoring module detects, stores, processes and transmits the operating characteristics of the at least one street light unit in response to a reception of at least one first control signal from the plurality of servers through the at least one digital interface module.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of servers receives the operating characteristics of the at least one street light unit along with the identification code associated with the at least one street light unit for analyzing the operating characteristics and generating at least one second control signal.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one light monitoring module controls the at least one street light unit of the street light pole in response to the reception of the at least one second control signal from the plurality of servers through the at least one digital interface module.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one data base stores at least one of:
the operating characteristics of the plurality of street light units; the identification code associated with the street light unit; a data associated with the at least one light monitoring module; a data associated with the group of digital interface modules; and a data associated with the plurality of servers.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one digital interface module receives and processes the at least one first control signal and the at least one second control signal.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one digital interface module transmits the operating characteristics of the at least one street light unit from the at least one light monitoring module in response to the reception of the at least one first control signal from the plurality of servers and further receives the at least one second control signal from the plurality of servers.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one digital interface module enables the at least one light monitoring module to receive the at least one first control signal and the at least one second control signal based on the identification code associated with the at least one street light unit.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one digital interface module displays the operating characteristics of the plurality of street light units received from the at least one light monitoring module.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one digital interface module stores data associated with the at least one light monitoring module; the operating characteristics of the at least one street light unit; and the identification code associated to the at least one street light unit.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one digital interface module activates at least one dimming unit to control the operating characteristics of the plurality of street light units.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one user interface coupled to the at least one digital interface module for operating the at least one light monitoring module.

14. A method for remotely monitoring and operating a plurality of street light units through a hybrid communication network, comprising:

a step of monitoring and controlling at least one street light unit among the plurality of street light units through at least one light monitoring module by a central monitoring station comprising a plurality of servers; at least one data base, whereby the at least one light monitoring module coupled to the at least one street light unit;

a step of transmitting at least one first control signal to the at least one light monitoring module from the plurality of servers through at least one digital interface module, whereby the at least one first control signal enables the at least one light monitoring module to transmit operating characteristics of the at least one street light unit to the plurality of servers through the at least one digital interface module;

a step of receiving the operating characteristics of the at least one street light unit along with an identification code associated with the at least one street light unit by the plurality of servers from the at least one light monitoring module through the at least one digital interface module, whereby the plurality of servers analyze the operating characteristics and generates at least one second control signal;

a step of transmitting the at least one second control signal to at least one light monitoring module through the at least one digital interface module, whereby at least one light monitoring module receives and processes the at least one second control signal; and

a step of enabling the at least one light monitoring module to control the at least one street light unit, whereby the at least one light monitoring module enabled by the at least one second control signal.

15. The method of claim 14, comprising a step of transmitting the operating characteristics of the at least one street light unit from the at least one light monitoring module by the at least one digital interface module in response to the reception of the at least one first control signal from the plurality of servers and further receives the at least one second control signal from the plurality of servers.

16. The method of claim 14, comprising a step of enabling the at least one light monitoring module to receive the at least one first control signal and the at least one second control signal based on the identification code associated with the at least one street light unit by the at least one digital interface module.