Street lamps with integrated light/communicator modules

Abstract

A robust wireless communications network is deployed by retrofitting spatially distributed light sockets with integrated light/communicator modules. Each light/communicator module comprises an electric lamp and a communicator unit, the communicator unit having an RF transceiver, an antenna, and a Broadband processor for communicating with other nodes in the wireless communication network, using a suitable mesh network protocol. A power conversion unit is optionally provided in each integrated light/communicator module so that the individual components of the module may operate on the standard light socket power or selectably from other power sources.

1 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . A streetlamp adjacent a street, the streetlamp comprising:
 a base configured to mount to a surface with a plurality of fasteners;   a pole having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the base;   a lamp head coupled to the second end of the pole, the lamp head including a socket; and   an integrated lamp and radio communication module configured coupled to the lamp head, the integrated lamp and radio communication module having
 an interface inserted into the socket; 
 an electric lamp mounted on the interface; and 
 a communication unit mounted on the interface, the communication unit including
 a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, and 
 a processor coupled to the RF transceiver to execute program code to control the RF transceiver, 
 wherein the processor and RF transceiver are configured to cooperatively establish and participate in an outdoor wireless communication network with a plurality of street lamps having the integrated lamp and radio communication module around one or more streets. 
 
   
     
     
         12 . The streetlamp of  claim 11 , wherein integrated lamp and radio communication module further comprises:
 a power converter mounted on the interface, the power converter coupled to the communication unit, the electric lamp, the power conversion unit configured to receive a first power over a power line of the socket and convert the first power into a second power suitable for powering the electric lamp and the communication unit.   
     
     
         13 . The streetlamp of  claim 11 , wherein
 the communication unit comprises a software defined radio.   
     
     
         14 . The streetlamp of  claim 11 , wherein
 the program code executed by the processor is updated by wireless radio signals received over the air through the RF transceiver.   
     
     
         15 . The streetlamp of  claim 11 , wherein
 the program code executed by the processor is updated by signals received over a powerline through the interface.   
     
     
         16 . The streetlamp of  claim 11 , wherein
 the communication unit is configured as a Wi-Fi hotspot to provide internet access to Wi-Fi devices through the outdoor wireless communication network.   
     
     
         17 . The streetlamp of  claim 16 , wherein
 the communication unit is coupled in communication with the internet; and   the processor and RF transceiver are configured to couple the outdoor wireless communication network to the internet.   
     
     
         18 . The streetlamp of  claim 17 , wherein
 the communication unit is coupled in communication with one or more other communication units of other streetlamps along the street using radio frequency (RF) signals other than Wi-Fi.   
     
     
         19 . The streetlamp of  claim 11 , wherein integrated lamp and radio communication module further comprises:
 a sensor unit mounted on the interface, wherein the sensor unit monitors vehicle traffic on the street over which the street lamp is located.   
     
     
         20 . The streetlamp of  claim 11 , wherein integrated lamp and radio communication module further comprises:
 a sensor unit mounted on the interface, the sensor unit includes a humidity sensor and a temperature sensor, wherein the sensor unit reports weather conditions at the location where the street lamp is installed.   
     
     
         21 . The streetlamp of  claim 20 , wherein
 the sensor unit further monitors vehicle traffic on the street over which the street lamp is located.